I met Aleece in 2012 when she started visiting my little coffee shop. Soon after Aleece became one of my first baristas and we learned so much together in those first few months. But over time we also became friends. We’re also both from the same area of Bayou Teche. It’s interesting how the legacy of a place stays with you and impacts your life without you really knowing. Over the years I’ve continued to admire her tenacity to find and express her true self regardless of the noise or especially because of the noise. For herself but also as a role model for her two beautiful girls. She is a talented barista, person of service, and storyteller. I’m excited to include her words and photos here.