Published on January 02, 2025

Tammy Gerhard ’92 connects with community through her coffee shop

Since her days at Eastern, Tammy Gerhard ’92 has carried a deep desire to help and serve those she can reach. This love for connection has motivated her through her ownership of Silk City Coffee, a coffee shop in Manchester, since 2016.

Gerhard’s role at Silk City does not stop at “business owner.” In her position, she oversees the shop’s community engagement and charitable giving efforts.

“I've always had a passion for connecting with the community and resourcing hardworking nonprofit initiatives in a community to be successful,” she said.

Part of her approach to connecting with the surrounding community in Manchester involves collaborating with groups that some in her position may see as competitors. During its fifth year, Silk City began roasting its own beans and wholesaling them to other shops.

This collaborative approach comes from Gerhard’s educational and philosophical background. “I've always been very collaborative versus competitive as a person,” said Gerhard, who holds two degrees in psychology. “I love looking at the strengths and abilities of people and groups of people and trying to leverage that for success.”

To give back to the community, Silk City Coffee partners with a different community organization each month. “We highlight the work that is happening in our community, and then also leverage sales to support the work that we’re doing,” said Gerhard.

“For me, opening the shop was about creating a safe, healthy space for people to come, where anyone would be welcomed, and they would feel that they could nest with others and be part of something a little bit bigger than themselves.”

Silk City Coffee also features a community board where patrons and community members can post needs, whether it's help with yard work or a ride to the grocery store. “Any person can share a need that any other person is welcome to respond to and meet.”

Written by Noel Teter '24