Aces of Trades: A career change was the right move for Abigail Jordan

She thought she was going one direction, then decided to go another — and she’s glad she did.

“I was always a type-A kid growing up,” recalled Abigail Jordan. “I was particular and orderly, which definitely made for interesting times with my siblings. I was the classic oldest kid. My passions included anything that involved organizing or paper shuffling. This continued throughout my growing up years.

“There was never a prior urge or desire to run a coffee shop,” she added. “In fact, it was the opposite. I despised the entrepreneur learning (too stressful and risk involved) I received in college. And I actually never drank coffee prior to opening the coffee shoppe.”

Today, Jordan owns and operates The Remnant Tea & Coffee.

“I co-own The Remnant with my mother, Jamie Riffe,” she clarified. “I’m the operating manager. As with any small business, this title includes pretty much everything the business faces — marketing director, barista, public relations, etc.”

Jordan grew up in Marion, was homeschooled through high school, then earned a bachelor's degree in business and worship leadership from Ohio Christian University in 2020 and a master’s in executive leadership from Liberty University in 2021.

“After my BA,” she said, “I tossed around the idea of studying law but decided against it in favor of pursuing banking. I returned to Marion and began an entry level position at a local bank. But after 6 months the opportunity to open the coffee shoppe came available. By April of 2021 I was in the middle of my MA, planning my wedding, and working to open The Remnant.

“My mother was pursuing opening her catering business, The Board Bee,” Jordan continued. “When looking for rental spaces she came across what was formerly the Main Squeeze. Because of the nature of the catering business, my mom only needed the kitchen space. This left half the space empty for what should be seating for a food business. My mom mentioned to me the opportunity to join her and start a second business and, after a short time to think, I quit my job and began working with her and my youngest sister, Hannah, to open a coffee shop.”

The Remnant Tea & Coffee became a reality in July 2021.

“Abby never ceases to amaze me with how tirelessly she works to make The Remnant a great experience for all,” assessed Jan Bihn, the first employee at The Remnant. “Whether a customer or an employee, she’s looking out for you.”

“I wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t a direct calling on my life,” Jordan responded. “The Remnant isn’t here to keep everyone caffeinated, but to be a meeting place where relationships can be made and cultivated. The real desire for The Remnant is not to be the best coffee shop in Marion but to be a second family for anyone who walks in the doors.

“Looking back,” she concluded, “I cannot imagine what would have happened if I had continued with my original plans of banking right out of college. I am so happy with The Remnant, my team, and the customers who make every day possible. I’ve learned so much and look forward to learning even more.”

The Remnant Tea & Coffee is located at 123 W. Church St. For more information, log on to Facebook.

Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs — whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at news@marionstar.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: A career change was the right move for Abigail Jordan