Know Your Neighbor: Erica Ream

Walk into The Well Coffee Shop, located inside of Black Fork Commons Mercantile, and you will be instantly greeted with the alluring smell of freshly brewed coffee. Uplifting gospel music is usually playing throughout the shop and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Erica Ream, one of the baristas at The Well, adds to the pleasant feeling of the shop with her kind demeanor.

Erica grew up in Crestline but has lived in Shelby for 18 years and was brought here by her job at a local salon. She likes living in Shelby because it is a small town where everyone helps one another out. She loves that everyone in Shelby is friendly and mentioned not having to worry about much trouble in the community.

Her uncle and aunt, Tony and Bev Hall, own the Black Fork Commons Mercantile and The Well

Coffee Shop and hired Erica as a barista there. She said that working with family makes for a fun atmosphere and she really enjoys it. “A lot of people don’t know we’re even here,” says Erica about the shop. She said the mercantile offers a lot of unique items that can’t be found anywhere else. “When you come in, you feel like family and it’s just lovely.”

Starting in June, the shop will be hosting a women’s bible study on Tuesday evenings. Erica also said baby showers, bridal showers, and other small events can be held after hours at the shop with a barista on site. The Well has a diverse selection of coffees and other drinks as well as baked goods. They have a daily drink special so be sure to stop in to check them out. For more information on Black Fork Commons Mercantile and The Well Coffee Shop, visit their website blackforkmercantile.com.