When asked about showcasing God’s love in interior design, the answer would not be clear to most aside from hanging cross illustrations throughout a space. In reality there are ingenious ways to represent the love of Christ through photographs and intimate seating driven towards cultivating conversation and relationships. The story of Tipsy Bean is a testimony to unexpected blessings, proof of the power of prayer, and God’s unwavering faithfulness.        

 

Near Jinotega, Nicaragua a new young life program, La Finca, was in the making. When development was underway, coffee beans were discovered growing on the property. It was this revelation that sparked the formation of the 41 & Change Coffee Company. In their own words, “Truth be told, we ‘stumbled’ upon growing Nicaragua's finest coffee. Back in the late 1990's we purchased a piece of land near Jinotega, Nicaragua, to develop a Vida Joven (Young Life) camp. We found coffee plants growing on the property, so we harvested a little coffee, cupped it, and realized what an extraordinary product our land could produce. Little by little we began to plant more coffee and now have 30 acres under development.” A percentage of all sales at 41 & Change go to La Finca, and together they work in conjunction to bring the kids of Nicaragua to form personal relationships with Jesus.

 

Meanwhile in America, Yezbel and Patrick Garcia felt God’s call to relocate their family of six to College Station, Texas in hopes of finding better success with their business. Upon the realization of excess square footage in their new office space, the Garcia’s wanted a way to give to those bettering God’s kingdom. Patrick’s Brother and Sister-In-Law, Donna and Gerald Garcia are a part of the Brazos Valley Young Life Group. Gerald is the Country Developer for Young Life in Mexico, and Donna is part time field staff for the Brazos Valley. When Yezbel and Patrick decided to open a coffee and wine bar called Tipsy Bean it was important to include the 41 & Change Coffee Company and give back to Young Life both in Nicaragua and in the Brazos Valley.

 

Yezbel and Patrick’s design inspiration originated with a look of reclaimed industrialization. Josh and Hailey paired their ideas with a modern spin by including progressive lighting fixtures, recycled magazine wallpaper, unique art, and varied application of materials with reclaimed gray barn wood around the bar and on the front entryway ceiling.  In the nook under the staircase they built a custom sofa with a custom art piece made just for Tipsy Bean by local artist Michael Darin. It was made to be inconspicuous at first sight, much like God’s plan for the Tipsy Bean. It was not at first obvious why the Garcia’s had to move to College Station, but within a few years they now have not one, but two thriving businesses. The piece is proof that God’s plan is not obvious at first sight, but as time progresses it becomes increasingly clear. In the mezzanine Josh and Hailey set out to create a peaceful space that showcased photos of the Young Life Camp and coffee bean cultivation in Nicaragua and that was set apart from the rest of the coffee shop. The overarching theme of the restaurant became an idea of new life and unexpected beauty because of the reuse of old materials throughout. From the reclaimed barn wood to the custom sofa, to the picture on the walls, even the walls themselves, they all have a story and together create the place known as Tipsy Bean.