Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicola Squires.
Hi Nicola, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Over 8. years ago we were kind of joking about opening something and a few weeks later we were signing a lease. Military life brings so many different minds and friendships together. Kelly was retired from the military and Tracey and Nicola were military wives. It always sounds fun to get to create and work with your friends. We ended up signing a lease in a 1940s Pure Oil gas station and kept the theme but created a coffeeshop inside. The weather is sometimes nice enough for the garage door to open up and we have live music and food trucks which we started during COVID to give the community a safe space to hang out. Tracey left around that time to pursue other passions and Kelly decided a few years later to go back home to be with family. When we opened we wanted the shop to feel like we could step back in time when things seemed simpler and wanted to have a space where the community could meet and enjoy historic downtown Aberdeen. The gas station was a meeting place for men who would gather, play cards and reminisce about the Glory Days. They would bring their kids down for a soda pop outside the shop and so many who come in today share their fond memories of this place. We added beer and wine during COVID and had a drive thru set up. Since COVID each season brings its challenges of change but the crowds that come here now is really what we dreamed of and we feel thankful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been bumpy but the challenge is what makes this place so special. Three years into owning the shop COVID hit and we weren’t sure what that was going to look like. We actually thrived through COVID because we were one of the few places to go to in downtown Aberdeen and so we created as many things as we could so people could get out. Summer seemed busy because people were not comfortable traveling so it was felt like we were hosting different parties weekly in our parking lot. Each season we have created different things for the community and we have been fortunate enough to thrive in the hardest of times. This past year has been the most challenging with price margins being much smaller, coffee prices and products rising without passing it to the customer. We try to be extremely affordable because we like having a crowd instead of just being a place where you get a coffee and leave. We have so many regulars that are like family and the baristas are the ones who really create the feel and the connection to our community. The area is growing tremendously so our next challenge will be creating events that can accomodate our space. It is challenging to have a business in a historic district because you have to adhere to an extra set of rules but we have always been able to create some fun events that have held us for our slower times. I am not sure what that looks like this year but I know it will come to me when it’s time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run the operations of the coffeeshop 7 days a week. I try to help my baristas in busy times and I do all of the daily tasks needed to keep the shop open. I also love to come up with ideas of how I can work with other small businesses and nonprofits to enhance High Octane and downtown Aberdeen. I am known for interacting with the customers and I am usually in the shop working and networking for other businesses that I have. I have been a real estate photographer for 15 years and I run 2 airbnbs. I guess I like things in three as I am most proud of being a mom to 3 teenagers. What sets me apart from others is that I am able to find and see a need or service missing and I try to create a solution for it. I am creative and resourceful in finding people that can help me with making some of these crazy ideas come to life. I am most proud of teaching my children the importance of contributing to your local community and a strong work ethic.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I hope that we are here still doing the same thing in 5-10 years. Things are shifting and competition is coming in but I hope I stay on top of not only making a great cup of coffee but keeping our place where people want to come and enjoy community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://highoctanegirls.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/highoctanegirls
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/highoctanegirls
