The last three words Jesus said on the cross are the foundational words that have sparked a ministry mission that is just beginning for Olivia Oglesby, founder of Teleo Coffee.
Olivia fell in love with coffee shops while working her way through college. "People meet to have conversations, business meetings, or study. It's a special place, unlike anywhere else."
During her junior year at SLU, Olivia felt called to open a coffee shop. "But I wanted to use it for more than profit. I wanted it to be for something greater."
She tacked a theology minor and entrepreneurship minor on to her Occupational Science degree and graduated in May of 2019. Five months later, Olivia followed her calling and launched Teleo Coffee.
"I want to use the coffee shop as a platform for ministry. I chose a name teleo so that a conversation could start around the meaning of the word," explains Olivia. "Too many people feel like they have to be this perfect person. They work hard to put on the perfect face or post the perfect thing on Instagram. That's why the message of the Gospel is so freeing; It is finished. You don't have to be the perfect person, because He has already done it for you."
Teleo brings together local St. Louis partners to help give back to St. Louis city. "The products we use go back into the community. Our coffee beans come from Switch coffee on North Grand. Switch partners with Mission: St. Louis, who works to end the cycle of poverty by building relationships to empower men and women to transform their lives. Our beans go toward providing hope to individuals."
Olivia envisions Teleo Coffee as a place where people can walk in and feel loved, not judged, for being their authentic selves. "We want people to feel seen."
Teleo supports and actively works towards equality and full inclusion of all persons regardless of race, religion, background, ability, or sexual orientation. "We strive to create a space where everyone can feel loved and known by the community around them."
Teleo Coffee is scheduled to open in Downtown Kirkwood in early 2021. Until then, Olivia and her assistant manager, Carynn Hildebrand, serve the community at the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market and make coffee and food deliveries from orders placed online.
Olivia and Carynn have perfected their cold brew coffees. They are now having fun testing new flavors of lattes (Imagine Cocoa Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Fruit Loops).
Olivia smiles and says, "We are loving our neighbors one coffee cup at a time."