Chamberlin Coffee

Chamberlain Coffee in Century City offers specialty-grade coffee, matcha, and pastries in a stylish, influencer-designed café

After a soul-satisfying bowl of ramen at Ramen Nagi, I wasn’t quite ready to part ways with James. As we wandered around the Westfield Century City mall – lost in easy conversation – I realized just how much I valued these unhurried moments with him.

When we passed Chamberlain Coffee, its inviting, influencer-chic aesthetic caught my eye. “Do you have time for coffee?” I asked. When James said yes, we strolled inside, curious and open to whatever came next.

The moment I spotted the hot BLUE MATCHA LATTE on the menu, I was sold.

It arrived like a little gift, steamy and vivid and calming, like cozy comfort cradled in my hands.

We sat, sipped, and people-watched – quietly judging fashion choices and talking about life.

I was struck again by how aligned James’ intuition is with mine and how rare it is to feel that kind of resonance with someone. Our connection traces back to our shared adventure on A Sensational Tour of Sicily with Kimberly Larkin and James Bene, and even now, I’m still in awe of the ripple effect that trip had on everyone involved.

My friend Katharine came with me – an intuitive yes that ended up changing her life. Her boyfriend at the time broke up with her over the trip – unable to handle her independence. Literally, he told her that she was too good and too successful for him – and then ended the relationship.

But that what was she needed to push her forward.

While having breakfast in Venice, Italy, I strongly and viciously urged her to try online dating.

This – less than three months after returning home – led her to the man who would become her husband.

I’ve come to realize that sometimes I’m a catalyst – the messenger and sometimes I’m the message. I love helping others step into the lives they were meant to live.

James, in his own way, was that for me. And as he told me about his next offering in Africa, I felt that same spark, that quiet confirmation we were both exactly where we were meant to be.

There’s something sacred about following a yes, even when it’s small. Especially when it leads to coffee, clarity, and conversations that remind you life is always unfolding beautifully and right on time.

Sometimes, all you can do is be unafraid to say yes to life and be amazed at where it leads you.

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