If you've spent more than five minutes with me, there's a good chance you've thought one of two things:

“She looks intimidating.”

Or...

“She looks mad.”

Fair enough. I'd probably think the same thing if I were looking at me too.

I assure you, most of the time I'm simply thinking about coffee. Or lunch. Or whether I answered that email.

The misunderstanding.

For years, I thought I should smile more. Look more approachable. Appear more enthusiastic.

Because somewhere along the way, I got the impression that looking serious was something that needed fixing.

Then I remembered a useful fact: I've had this face since 1981.

If you saw my childhood photos, especially the kindergarten class picture, you'd understand. This isn't adulthood. It isn't work stress. It isn't because I haven't had coffee.

This has always been my face.

As I got older, I realized nothing about it needed fixing. Well, maybe a little Botox, but I'll take suggestions in another article. 😉

A neutral expression is not a customer-service ticket.

I've heard it all: “You look unhappy.” “Are you okay?” “Smile.” “You seem intimidating.”

Having a resting face doesn't mean I'm unfriendly. It doesn't mean I'm a robot. It definitely doesn't mean I'm plotting world domination.

Usually I'm thinking, listening, enjoying the quiet, or simply existing without performing happiness every second of the day.

Coffee didn't change it.

People love to ask, “Have you had your coffee yet?”

Yes. Probably two cups.

Coffee helps me function. It helps me focus. It makes the day considerably more enjoyable.

It was never supposed to change who I am.

And the face? The face stays exactly the same.

Same Face. Better Energy.

Coffee was never hired to fix my face. It was simply invited to improve the experience.

Why it became part of Moli Brew.

When I started building Moli Brew, I could have hidden that part of myself.

Instead, in true Monica fashion, I made a joke about it and built part of the brand around it.

Because I know I'm not the only one. There are plenty of quiet, thoughtful, coffee-loving people who aren't the loudest in the room but still show up, still care, and still get the job done.

We just let the results do the loud talking.

Moli Brew became a place for people who are tired of feeling like they have to perform approachability. People with high standards, quiet confidence, strong boundaries, and no particular interest in pretending to be chipper when they're not.

Around here, coffee isn't meant to change who you are. It's here to help you enjoy being exactly who you already are.

For the larger philosophy, read The Stay Philosophy.

Same face. Better energy.

Monica