Taranaki woman left the grind of healthcare behind
After becoming burnt out working as an occupational therapist, Rachel Colson decided to switch gears completely and open her own coffee caravan.
It’s a life change that has given the 31-year-old more flexibility despite working longer hours than before.
“It feels like a choice, not a chore,” the New Plymouth woman said.
“It’s a really nice change.” Colson owns Sunny Coffee Caravan, which is parked at Freedom Furniture in New Plymouth from Tuesdays to Fridays. It’s an idea she toyed with for nearly a decade but came to fruition only after leaving her job in healthcare.
She had a break and worked at Ozone Coffee, learning everything about coffee and loving it.
After her stint there, she persuaded her dad to let her permanently borrow the old family caravan.
She then did one last stretch as an occupational therapist in Australia to build up some money to renovate it.
The caravan opened for business a year ago, on her 30th birthday.
“I always wanted to be 30 and a business owner. That was the goal, and I did it.”
She started by opening for three days a week on her sister’s section on Lorna St, to target the hospital staff just up the road.
Eventually, she decided she needed more foot traffic, so went on the hunt for another location, and found herself settling in at Freedom, which is near a large number of office buildings and trade workshops.
She also does events such as weddings, and this week she has been at TSB Stadium for Americarna.
“I’ve built up a bit of a following, and it’s because I’ve got a point of difference, selling speciality Ozone coffee and having a plant-based menu.
“I grew up on a dairy farm, so that’s a bit of a shock to my family.”
Colson became vegan while travelling around Mexico.
Her menu, which is all made in the caravan, includes avocado toast, porridge bowls, pumpkin dahl, and scones.
It may not be a permanent career change, and she still has a casual contract at Taranaki Base Hospital, but for now, she’s enjoying life in her little caravan.
“I loved the people side of things of being an OT, and I feel like the caravan offers me the same thing, as I’ve got to know my regulars well.
“When I travel, the first thing I do is find a local coffee shop to be my home and safe space,” she said. “And I want to be that for New Plymouth.”