Homeward Trek Brings Business To Main Street

WATER VALLEY – A journey of life-changing decisions, including a cross-country move just over two years ago, led Joe and Caitlin Magnuson finding themselves at the helm of a thriving Main Street coffee shop in Water Valley. While living in the state of Washington, the couple toyed with the idea of returning to Caitlin’s home state of Mississippi and establishing a drive-thru coffee stand reminiscent of their beloved Pacific Northwest shops.

The seed of the idea had taken root previously, but it was during a visit home in March 2022, that everything fell into place. Caitlin, who had spent summers, holidays, and weekends in Water Valley due to family ties, felt a deep connection to the small town. After years of residing in Washington, where they met and married, the couple made the monumental decision during their return trip.

Recognizing a niche in the local market it was during a flight home that their Water Valley plans moved forward to becoming a reality. “We realized there was a lack of coffee businesses here,” Caitlin explained.

With their kids’ schooling and living arrangements sorted on the way to the airport, Caitlin wasted no time conceptualizing the branding for their venture – The Magnolia Coffee Co. – in-flight. She created a few images and passed them across the aisle to Joe for his approval.

Upon touchdown, they dove into honing their coffee-making skills, buoyed by the confidence that if they could brew exceptional coffee, success would follow.

“We said if we can make good coffee, we can do this,” Caitlin says.

The hurdles included selling their house and her business. Surprisingly, their home sold within just three days of being on the market, swiftly followed by the sale of the business.

“We really felt like it was a God-thing,” Caitlin added.

The couple were able to moved into Caitlin’s beloved grandparents (the late Travis and Jeannie Clement) home on Champion Circle. They also acquired the familiar copper-top vendor trailer, which they use for events in the Valley, to kickstart their business. Everything fell into place just as they had envisioned.

Then came a conundrum. Initially planning for a drive-thru setup with a vendor trailer, fate intervened when a charming Main Street storefront with a spacious courtyard became available for lease. Embracing the opportunity, they pivoted from their original plan, swiftly securing the lease and fast-tracking their timeline.

“Our original plan when we moved here was to take six months off. We moved here in the middle of July and signed the lease at the end of August,” Caitlin explained.

The Magnolia Coffee Co. opened in November and right from the start, the couple prioritized consistency and quality above all else.

“Opening at 6 a.m. has been really beneficial. Consistency is key, especially with coffee. Your customers are relying on you to be open,” she added.

During a week-long ice storm earlier this year, Caitlin made every effort to keep their regular hours.

“We were open during the ice storm, we knew how important it was,” she explained.

Despite the sparse traffic on Main Street, Caitlin noted that some of their regular customers, who had to work, made a point to stop in each morning before braving the ice-covered roads. Others were simply ready to get out of the house.

“People were getting stir-crazy and would walk down to get a hot chocolate. So many people said they appreciated us being open, it was a good week for us,” Caitlin added.

Their regular customers are like family to them, Caitlin emphasized. The menu at The Magnolia Coffee Co. includes favorite coffee brews, teas, sandwiches, bagels, baked goods and salads – all made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The shop also offers merchandise such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, candles, and honey – all sourced locally.

“When people buy a sweatshirt from me, they are supporting another local small business,” Caitlin pointed out.

The storefront has also served as a venue for various events, including a book swap, live music, a worship night, vendor pop-up markets, workshops, and wine nights held each Thursday.

“We want to help create that sense of community,” Caitlin explained.

Best Decision Ever

“When we discussed moving back, I knew I didn’t want to live in Desoto County where I grew up. We lived in a small town in Washington,” Caitlin recalled.

For Caitlin, returning to Water Valley felt like coming home, especially since her mother, Charlotte Clement, grew up there. As for Joe, a native of Washington, the weather was the obvious obstacle for the transition.

“But the terrain, everything looks the same. I have a much poorer sense of direction around here. I was used to the mountains breaking up the skyline,” Joe reflected.

Joe initially worked in the coffee shop after its opening and still lends a hand when needed. In addition to this, he continues his career as a timber buyer, drawing from 17 years of experience in Washington. Joe’s work involves buying pine timber for transmission and distribution poles.

“We decided to move to Water Valley, and it was the best decision we could have made. We have never felt as safe with our children as we have here,” Joe affirmed.

When home is where the heart is, for Caitlin, giving back to the community means promoting other businesses in the community that sell similar products. “Everybody has their personal preference,” she explained. “I think there is room for all of us; I truly believe in community over competition. We love our customers and our community and look forward to the years ahead,” Caitlin concluded.