The walk from Jewell to Holy Grounds is around 10 minutes. Google Maps will tell you 13, but if you have long legs and/or embrace your inner New Yorker, it will take you 10. It is a nice walk through the historic neighborhoods of Liberty. Since the space is not a traditional coffee shop, it is quite an adventure. The front door to the coffee shop is on the south entrance of the church and down the stairs to the church’s basement.

The space is full of old books from the church’s library. alls that are not covered in books showcase the church organist’s original paintings. The dark oak of the table and bar creates a lovely, warm feel that contrasts with clean white spaces. They are always playing Gregorian chants or Anglican choir music, so, depending on your relationship with religion, you may find it peaceful and centering. However, if you are not used to being in church settings, you may find it a little strange. If you are not interested in the music, there is plenty of seating on their patio with shade and a peaceful ambience. 

The coffee shop’s menu is pretty standard, though a lot of their products are sourced from local small businesses. They roast their own coffee and they brew tea from Anna Marie’s Teas on the Liberty Square. I love their matcha because it is more on the gritty side. Their ratio of matcha to milk is the best in Liberty; many other local coffee shops dilute their matcha to the point where it is basically just green milk. Their espresso-based drinks are fine compared to the local standards of Liberty, but their espresso is just not quite up-to-par in my opinion. If you consider yourself a coffee snob like me, I would recommend getting a tea, a matcha or a drink with one of their many syrups. They make most of their syrups in-house, including my two favorites: vanilla lavender and cinnamon almond coconut.

There are many food options including pastries, and an extensive menu of more savory foods. Plus, they always have fudge samples from a local fudge maker up in Kearney.

Overall, it is a lovely walk from campus and a quiet place to study or hang out with friends. If you try it out, I recommend trying the fudge and getting a drink with one of their homemade syrups.

William Jewell College’s campus is filled with a range of styles – from trendy to classy, eclectic to low-key. To capture “style” requires as much consideration of personality as composition. What makes or breaks a look is not the wrong accessory, a clash in color or any other arbitrary rule established by the commercialized perspective of fashion that has been sold to the public.

A good outfit is defined by the eye of the wearer, whether it be maximum comfort or artistic expression. Truly appreciating fashion begins once you dive into the person behind the clothes. First-year physics major Hope Peck has provided the opportunity to dive into her style which comes from a combination of a variety of aesthetics and inspirations.

The process of curating a look, for Peck, starts on the first day of every week. She invests time experimenting with concepts on Sunday, planning out her outfits for the rest of the week. 

A glimpse into Peck’s closet would reveal an intentionally limited palette with an array of neutrals, burnt orange, and dark green. The colors reflect her self-described “thrifted and androgynous” minimalist aesthetic. A small palette also works to provide Peck more ease by expanding the versatility of her pieces, ensuring her look will include shades and hues partial to her taste.

Influenced by YouTube, Pinterest and a few high fashion designers, Peck’s style has a voice of its own. She combines her love of Cecille Bahsen’s prairie chic with modern and trendy looks inspired by YouTubers like With Wendy and Ashley Bestdressed.

Peck is not the only fashion lover in her family. Her sister Allyson is also a major source for Peck’s inspiration. Allyson lives a chic and fun life as a digital media designer in Brooklyn, New York, and you can catch a glimpse into her lifestyle on her YouTube Channel The Allyson Leigh.

Not only does Peck enjoy curating outfits, she also takes a hands-on approach to creating unique looks of her own. Peck is an avid thrifter and enjoys flipping her clothes into beautiful and individual pieces. She has also constructed several of her own items, including a gorgeous Vivienne Westwood inspired corset. Besides sewing, Peck also crotchets. Her latest creation is a soft gray lounge set. There’s no better way to capture personality than to do it yourself.

Though Peck’s style appears put together and polished with an intentionality that catches the eye, she adds a little bit of fun some days. From strawberry to cow-themed, she has a collection of socks that garner much attention from her friends. If there’s one thing to take away from Peck and her impeccable taste, it’s that the best thing to wear is confidence. 

Whether you wear the latest trends or your favorite sweats, what makes a look is the person behind the clothes. Rock those crazy socks, show off the Goodwill find, break out of the box or embrace the popular. You do you and the rest of the world will embrace your style.