We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chantelle Ramcharan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chantelle below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Chantelle with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is something that’s been shaped by my family, my experiences, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Growing up in a family of six with a self-employed dad and a stay-at-home mom, I saw early on how much dedication it takes to run a business and manage a household. One of my first ‘jobs’ was going with my dad to clean up his job sites—picking up nails for a penny each. While it might sound small, it taught me that no task is too insignificant and that hard work adds up.
At home, my mom made sure we were all involved in daily chores and responsibilities. I quickly learned that things don’t just happen on their own—whether it’s taking care of a house or accomplishing goals, effort is always required. As I got older, I got into 4-H, which was a game-changer for me. I’ve always been a competitive person, and 4-H gave me the perfect outlet to take that competitiveness to the next level. I didn’t just want to compete—I wanted to be the best. It wasn’t just about getting the best animal; it was about doing the research, putting in the months of work, and having the confidence to stand in front of a livestock judge and explain why my animal was the best. It taught me how to set goals, work hard toward them, and always aim for excellence.
I come from a huge family of business owners—my dad owned a successful electrical company, my aunt and uncle ran a tile retailer and install business, and my grandpa was always flipping homes. This was the environment I grew up in, and it gave me an early understanding of how hard work and a commitment to what you’re doing can pay off.
By the time I was in my late teens, I was balancing school and sports while also working multiple jobs. At 15, I got my first job at a local coffee shop, and by the end of the year, I was working at a catering company with my sisters. This early exposure to balancing work and personal commitments taught me a lot about time management and discipline. As I went on to college, I took on even more—working at OSU while being involved in the Women’s A’capella group and having several other part-time jobs. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t always easy, and there were times when I felt overwhelmed. But those experiences taught me how to manage pressure, make tough decisions, and grow my confidence.
Around my third year of college, I realized I needed to be more strategic about the work I was doing, so I moved from being a barista to taking a job in retail management. That’s when I truly learned how to lead others, not just by being a manager, but by fostering growth and positivity in my team. By 21, I was managing a million-dollar store in Nebraska while supporting my fiancé through his doctorate program. It was a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding time.
Today, I’m lucky to work alongside my sister in real estate, and together we’ve been top producers in the Willamette Valley for over five years. I believe it’s no coincidence that every one of my siblings has also pursued self-employment in some form. Whether in beauty, roofing, or real estate, we all share the same work ethic—one that was shaped by our family and experiences growing up.
Looking back, I can see how my work ethic developed from my early lessons about hard work, my family’s example, and the challenges I faced along the way. Whether I was picking up nails as a kid or managing a retail store as a young adult, the message has always been the same: dedication, persistence, and believing in the value of hard work are key to success.
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?
I’m proud to be a part of The Sippery, a coffee shop we opened in September 2020, just blocks from Western Oregon University. Our motto, ‘Come As You Are,’ has been the heart of the business, especially given the challenging times of the pandemic. We wanted to create a space where people—whether college students, parents, or long-time locals—could come together, connect, and heal. Over time, The Sippery has become a vital meeting place in our community, which fulfills much of our vision.
What I love most about running The Sippery is the relationships we build with our customers and our team. We have a staff of 12-15 amazing individuals, many of whom stay with us for years. I approach our work culture much like I did in college—helping each person find something they can take from their role to move closer to their long-term goals. This helps foster a strong sense of purpose and connection.
Our atmosphere is laid-back, a perfect place for a coffee break or meaningful conversation. However, when the café gets busy, you can feel the energy in the room with our upbeat, uplifting music. Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future—our goal is to become Monmouth’s first coffee roaster, which would bring a new industry to the town and create more opportunities to grow and hire within the community.
Running The Sippery has also helped deepen my connections in the community, which often ties into my real estate work. I love when my two worlds collide—whether it’s making a cup of coffee or helping someone find their new home, it all comes down to building relationships and being part of something special.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, relationship-building, and adaptability.
Resilience: Challenges are inevitable, but perseverance has been key. My advice is to embrace setbacks as learning experiences and keep pushing forward.
Relationship-Building: Whether with customers or colleagues, connections are everything. Focus on being genuine, listening, and offering value—it opens doors in unexpected ways.
Adaptability: Business is always changing. The ability to pivot and adjust is crucial. Be open to new ideas, experiment, and stay flexible.
These qualities have shaped my journey, and my advice to anyone starting out is to develop these skills early—it’ll make all the difference.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill the value of hard work and perseverance. Growing up, I saw my dad running his own business and my mom managing our household with dedication and care. They taught me that success doesn’t come easily—it’s earned through consistent effort and resilience. They also led by example, showing me the importance of responsibility, kindness, and staying true to your word. Those lessons shaped the way I approach both my personal and professional life today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesipperyoregon.com
- Instagram: @the.sippery / @homesmartsisters
- Facebook: thesipperyoregon
Image Credits
@Chandra Reynolds Photography
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