I work at the Starbucks Roasteryband Tasting room in Seattle. I was working the night we unveiled our first ever Pop-In Shop. I was privileged to one of 5 in the store to view the merchandise early to prepare for the event. At pre-event we watched the Giving Key video and I was undone as were many in the room.
The evening of the event, I had the privilege of meeting two of meeting Helen and another one of your staff (I'm so embarrassed I can't remember your name). We had many amazing moments that night talking about your company , the video and why I was so struck by your product and its story.
As they were leaving, they gifted me a key with the word "FEARLESS". When I asked them if they randomly gave me this key, their response was no, they chose that key for me. I have been through so much in the past 10 years; 2 liver transplants, a divorce ,selling my home and declaring bankruptcy. It has only been in the last 5 years that I have began to rebuild my life and the thought of being fearless never entered my mind.
Upon receiving the key,I was overwhelmed with the realization that I am seen as being fearless (which has been confirmed by each person who asks about my key). It's only been a few days since receiving the key, but it has had a profound impact upon me, helping me,like looking over my shoulder, to see that everything that has happened has been the bricks and mortar to make me into who I am; and part of this new me is fearlessness. I'm not afraid of the future. I don't allow the past to dictate what I will be or how I will respond. Instead, I've allowed those events to mold me, propell me like a meteor around the moon, into an unknown future full of hope and rife with expectation.
So I want to thank you for creating this remarkable company and for my key. It is a monument that reminds me that I don't fear. Thank you.
Kenny