Meet Ashley Kite | Social Media Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Kite and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Having served organic coffee in Delray Beach for over 15 years, we know it could not have been possible without every guest who has walked through our door. Success to us has meant seeing everyone at Gizzi´s leave happy and wanting to return. It’s a simple concept but through that idea, we have been able to maintain loyal guests almost as long as we’ve been open! Our coffee shop has become a home away from home for many local neighbors and even seasonal travelers. In our efforts to keep our customers coming back and leaving with a smile, we are always listening to their needs. Over the years, we have added new drinks to the menu created by our guests, brought in alternative options to consider dietary restrictions, and above all… served quality organic espresso for the perfect coffee drinks. What this has meant for us is a growing family of coffee lovers.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My professional story connects and aligns with my time spent working at Gizzi’s Coffee for 4 years. I started off as an Elementary Education student at FAU, balancing multiple jobs as I worked to pay for my school. It was through Gizzi’s Coffee that I gained initial marketing experience, event organizing skills and also the ability to make connections with almost anyone. Getting to know the locals was an incredible experience for me as I made new friends and they encouraged me as I finished my school. As anyone who works & goes to school knows, this was often very stressful, and difficult to balance. Flash forward to graduating, I was finishing up my semester of student teaching when I began having alternative ideas of working in the music business. Crazy, I know. I had seen the love and community that occurs at a festival and it was something that resonated with me that I would want to create something similar. With a supportive network behind me, I applied to a music business internship and I was accepted to a local music & travel company, Cloud 9 Adventures. After a great internship, I was hired in February 2019 as the marketing assistant. Between my internship and accepting my full-time job, I hosted a house-party with indie artists Darwin Deez & Soren Bryce as well as hosting multiple other local art events. I became a music programmer for Grandview Public Market establishing further connections with local artists. My experience to date has been an incredible ride full of interesting people and seeing magic come to life. If there are any lessons to pull from my story, it’s that you can truly go after WHATEVER you want. Hard-work, a passion for arts & community, as well as genuine interest in forming connections has taken me to where I am. I can’t wait to keep learning, growing my skills, and to see what’s next. I’m thankful to every person that has come into my life and been a part of my journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My ideal travel itinerary includes great food, local spots, taking in nature, and museums. So to start, let’s talk food. Indian brunch at Pelican Restaurant in Lake Worth. Incredible. While up there, hit up some tacos at Tacos Al Carbon or empanadas at Havana. For Delray spots, Bamboo Fire Cafe, Troy’s BarBeQue, Eathai, and big love to Gizzi’s Coffee for the best espresso. The list could go on and on. Then for fun and interesting spots, Morikami Park, Perez Art Museum, Norton Art Museum, Oleta State Park, F.A.T District, Wynwood (of course, but especially for a silent disco), and any local venue/bar where artists play.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our shoutout is of course, to all of our regulars that have been a part of our store for the past 16 years as well as to all of our baristas over the years who have helped shape the store and played a part in the welcoming environment. Thank you all!

Website: www.gizzisdelray.com
Instagram: @gizziscoffeehouse
Linkedin: Andres Gizzi
Facebook: @gizziscoffee
Yelp: Gizzi’s Coffee Delray Beach

Image Credits
Ashley Kite