Mady Cheney (Lacrosse, Radford University) grew up in Georgetown. HelloNation asks student athletes one question about the place that raised them and records the answer on camera. This is Mady Cheney’s, in full.
The question
Name three small business owners in your community who have had a meaningful impact on others or inspired you personally. Who are they, and why do they stand out as a pillar of your community?
The answer, as recorded
Transcript. What follows is a transcript of the video above, in Mady Cheney’s own words. It has not been rewritten, and no part of it was drafted for them.
In Georgetown, there are a lot of small businesses and local places that have shaped my experience growing up, but three in particular stand out to me because of the role they play in the community and in my own life. First is Perky Beans Coffee, where I actually worked when I was home from college. Angela and Ron, the owners, really set the tone for what makes it special. It's more than just a coffee shop. It's a place where people are known by name. Regulars are greeted like family, and the energy feels personal. We actually implemented a new tactic where we would bring the coffee to the person no matter where they were sitting. We wouldn't just call their name out and have them come grab it. They lead by example, stay involved in the community, and treat both customers and employees with genuine respect. It taught me what it looks like to build something rooted in community, not just business. Second is Lamp Post Coffee. I used to go there with my sister all the time and do Bible studies, and it's a place I'll always associate with those conversations and time spent together. Beyond the coffee itself, which is amazing, trust me, it's calm, welcoming, and a place where people can slow down together and connect. For me, it wasn't just a coffee spot. It was a place for real relationships, and I met tons of my friends there as well. The third place is the Georgetown Palace Theater, which brings so much culture and energy to downtown. They consistently host incredible shows and give local performers and audiences a space to experience live theater in a very special way. It adds a creative artistic layer to Georgetown that might not be seen on the surface. It makes it feel vibrant and full of life, and it's also another activity for members of the community to go and view. All these three places reflect what makes Georgetown special. It's not the business themselves, but it's the way they bring people together in the community they create. I will carry those special moments with me and these places throughout my entire life. And I'm Maddie Chaney, signing off from Georgetown, Texas.
Recorded by HelloNation as part of its athlete voices program and published by Hello Newswire, HelloNation’s good news newswire. The words are the speaker’s own.
Reported by Hello Newswire.