“I was curious to know more about what they (The Coffee Oasis) did and was fascinated by the fact they had coffee shops, were raising money, and helping a cause I knew nothing about.”
– Michelle

Michelle Kammer, owner of Dolly Mama Boutique, began her business as a custom golf and resort brand accessorizing visors and accessories with crystals. She was selling wholesale and online, then moved into a boutique space 10 years ago. Her tagline for the store is “a boutique with a heart.” 

Michelle is passionate about her community and always looking for ways to give back. She met a Community Development staff member at an event where they were both vendors.

“I was curious to know more about what they (The Coffee Oasis) did and was fascinated by the fact they had coffee shops, were raising money, and helping a cause I knew nothing about. I was horrified that kids were being put out on the street at night since there was no underage overnight shelter in Tacoma.” 

Michelle had an idea of how to partner with The Coffee Oasis. While at the event, she began talking to a glass blower who made candle votives and asked if he could create custom votives. “He showed me how to pick out the color and shape and to add the Dolly Mama stamp.”

She worked with him to create three custom votives that donate 10% to local causes–Pinky Promise in partnership with Carol Milguard to help women who can’t afford mammograms, Nourish that partners with the Fish Food Bank, and Restore for The Coffee Oasis to care for youth who are experiencing homelessness. 

For her, giving back is a way of making the community better.

“I try to keep it as local as possible. The community gives to me by coming in and keeping my girls employed so I feel like that’s the least I can do.”

For someone who is interested in supporting their community, she would just say, “think of something that is near and dear to your heart or affected you or someone you know. Reach out to that charity and see what you could do to help out. It could be as simple as volunteering at the food bank. There is always something that needs to be done.”//

You can purchase a Restore votive that gives back to The Coffee Oasis youth programs here!

Written by: Caryn Wright   //   Date Written: 08/05/2024  //