Meet Lya Peterson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lya Peterson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lya, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose has always been a challenge, especially in my younger years when I often wondered what the future held for me. However, with Willow Tree Coffee, everything seemed to fall into place. Having worked in various beverage and customer-focused jobs, I discovered my calling: to serve my community with quality offerings and to be a light for those who need it.

My true purpose however is rooted in the Lord. And above all– I aim to serve Him and His people—the people of this world. Through Him, I’ve realized that my life is not meant to be spent in a meaningless 9-to-5 routine but in a fulfilling journey through the business He has blessed me with, bringing joy and connection to those around me. As Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

I understand not everyone shares the same faith or perspective on Christianity, but my focus is not on glorifying religion—it’s about nurturing a genuine relationship with the Lord. For years, I wrestled with the idea of living a meaningful life and sought recognition from the world. Now, I’m in awe of the Lord, and being known to Him is all I need.

Through my faith and Willow Tree Coffee, I’ve found my purpose: to serve others, build a strong community, and glorify God in all I do. Selling coffee has become more than a job—it’s a way to bring people together and live out the purpose I’ve been called to fulfill.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Lya, and I’m 17 years old. I’ve been homeschooled my entire life, moving from state to state, which has given me an independent mindset and lifestyle. From a young age, I pursued entrepreneurial ventures, starting small Etsy businesses, and by 13, I was working as a realtor’s assistant. Later, I gained experience in coffee shops and bakeries, where I discovered my love for customer service. While every job has its challenges (yes, even “Karens”), I’ve come to cherish the preciousness of people and the joy of serving them.

At 16, with the financial support of my parents, I took a leap of faith and started Willow Tree Coffee. It was a significant change and a big risk, but it was absolutely worth it. The name “Willow Tree Coffee” was inspired by my admiration for willow trees—their beauty, grace, and peaceful presence. That’s the exact atmosphere I strive to create: a welcoming, aesthetic, and calming space where people can enjoy quality coffee and meaningful moments.

My focus is on quality over quantity. From my time working in a bakery, I learned two essential lessons: “Quality and customer service are the most important aspects of running a business.” I hold these values close to my heart. My customers are some of the kindest, sweetest people, and their stories inspire me every day. They remind me that life is about more than profits—it’s about serving and loving others. Even if I don’t make as much money as I’d hoped, seeing the smiles on their faces makes it all worthwhile. For me, money comes and goes, but my purpose is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in all that I do.

Willow Tree Coffee has grown into more than just a coffee cart—it’s become a community. We source our beans locally from Runyon’s Roasters in Coppell and make all our syrups in-house using whole ingredients, ensuring the highest quality in every cup. Looking ahead, I dream of expanding Willow Tree into a trailer or truck to serve even more people. My ultimate goal is to open a cozy bookshop coffee shop—a place where people can gather to read, study, and relax. I’m inspired by warm, maximalist designs with unique furniture, old books, cozy couches, lamps, and art-covered walls. I’d love to feature local artists and rotate their work every few months to support creativity and community.

For now, you can find us at the Melissa Farmers Market on Saturdays! Follow us on Instagram to stay updated. Thank you for being part of this journey—big dreams start small, and I’m excited to see where this path leads!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I’ll always stand by the saying, “Patience is a virtue.” Without patience, it’s easy to become reckless, constantly chasing immediate results and ultimately burning out or giving up on what you love. Progress takes time, and in the long run, moving slowly and steadily is often the better approach.

The second thing I’d emphasize is work ethic. Without a strong work ethic, it’s hard to push through discouragement and frustration. Nothing worthwhile comes easy, especially when starting a business. Commit to doing at least one thing daily to grow your business, no matter how small—it all adds up over time. Be reliable, responsible, dedicated, and positive. Practice strong time management and, most importantly, have a passion for what you’re doing. Without passion, the challenges of running a business can drain you. If you don’t love what you’re pursuing, why pursue it at all? While I don’t enjoy every hard aspect of running a business, I push through because I truly love what I do and the people I serve.

Finally, I’d say community is essential. We are built for connection, and life is richer when shared with others. Network, be kind, and always lend a helping hand. Even if you encounter someone difficult, choose kindness. The world already has enough negativity, and one act of kindness can create ripples of opportunity. You never know who will remember that small gesture and what doors it might open for you.

And remember, you can’t do it all alone. The idea of doing everything by yourself is one of the biggest misconceptions. I’ve tried, and it’s a lonely path. Who will you celebrate your victories with if you’re the only one on the journey? Build a community of people who love, encourage, and support you—it makes all the difference.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past year, I’ve learned so much about the fulfillment that comes from being selfless and generous. We live in a world that constantly emphasizes *me, me, me*—what *I* want, what will make *me* happy, and how something can benefit *me.* While it’s true that your happiness and well-being matter, it’s also important to ask where your joy comes from and where you’re grounding your life.

Growing in humility has opened my eyes to the people around me. I used to focus so much on what was going wrong in my life or my own struggles that I forgot to notice others. Embracing selflessness and generosity has genuinely changed my perspective. Instead of being negative, I’ve found joy in simple acts of kindness—letting someone go ahead of me in line, paying for someone’s meal, or picking up trash on the street. These small actions have reminded me that if you see something wrong, don’t wait for someone else to fix it—just step up and do it.

True selflessness isn’t about being noticed or praised for your good deeds. It’s about doing what’s right, even if no one knows. Seeking recognition only fuels ego and pride, which, as C.S. Lewis wisely said, is like a spiritual cancer: *“It eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.”*

This mindset has also greatly benefited my business. Humility allows you to focus on serving others without seeking approval or validation. It shows character and integrity, which naturally shine through in your work and relationships. Shifting my focus away from myself has brought a deeper sense of joy, purpose, and connection to the people I encounter every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://willowtreecoffee.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willow.tree.coffee/

Image Credits

Rachela Distefano