In this special Mother’s Day episode of the No Loan Zone podcast, host Janet Maltbie sits down with Emilie Stack—owner of Emilie’s Coffee House and Wine Bar in Avon Lake, Ohio—to explore an inspiring alternative to the traditional college route.
With the unwavering support and partnership of her mom, Emilie skipped college to follow her entrepreneurial passion straight out of high school.
Together, they transformed an old bank into a vibrant community hub, fostering an atmosphere centered on real conversation—no laptops allowed on weekends!
Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:
🚫 Ditching the College PathNot everyone learns best in a classroom. Emilie talks candidly about her decision to skip college and dive into real-world experiences instead, from working at local cafes and pizzerias to opening her own business at just 18. Her message? It’s okay not to know your path at 17!
🤝 Lessons You Can’t Get in SchoolEmilie credits her mom not only with emotional encouragement but with practical business sense you can’t learn in a lecture hall. From finding the perfect location, guiding big decisions, to being an equal partner in this adventure, Mom’s role was (and is!) irreplaceable.
☕ From Comfort Zone to Community HubEmilie shares how her mom’s unwavering support helped turn a former bank building into a welcoming space for coffee, conversation, and community. Together, they handpicked furniture, set a “no laptops on weekends” rule, and prioritized real connection—making Emilie’s feel more like a home than any coffee chain ever could.
💬 Advice for ParentsEmily offers heartfelt advice: Don’t push college if your child’s not ready or interested. Consider trades, community college, or just give them time to figure things out. Most importantly, “look at your kid just as they are—and build on that.”
Ready for some inspiration?
Listen to the full episode, and if you’re ever in Avon Lake, stop by Emilie’s. She’s always up for a chat…and yes, she’ll give you a tour!
Happy Mother’s Day!And if your student is feeling lost about careers or colleges, remember—Janet is just an email away at [email protected].
P.S. Got thoughts or questions about alternative paths to success? Add a comment—we love hearing from you!
Connect with Janet Maltbie:
* Website: www.lifeworkcareerservices.com/calendar
* Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/janetchavezmaltbie
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeworkcareerservices.substack.com
