Over the Moon, for this mother-daughter duo!

 For the January article, I had the absolute joy of meeting and interviewing Lee and Joanne, and to say it was a delight would truly be an understatement. The kind of people they are becomes clear within minutes—these are the women you meet once and somehow feel like you’ve known forever. Friendship comes easily here.

Over the Moon Coffee Roasters in Kingston isn’t just warm because of the coffee. The warmth radiates from Lee and Joanne themselves, from Joanne’s husband Ed, and from every single person on their staff. Together, they have created something that feels less like a business and more like a family home with an espresso machine. Everyone who walks through the door is treated like they belong—because they do. 

They listen. They remember names. They remember stories. They remember your kids’ names, your regular order, and sometimes exactly how your last week went. In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Over the Moon is a safe place to land. A place where anyone and everyone is welcome. Exactly what our community needed.

Last Sunday, we hosted a meet-and-greet called Coffee and Convo, and I walked away feeling deeply grateful—and honestly, a little overwhelmed in the best way. People showed up not only to support this incredible business, but to connect. Some came because they follow my work and had never stepped foot inside Over the Moon before, yet they showed up with open hearts to support Lee and Joanne. That kind of community support is something you feel in your chest.

Lee and Joanne are a remarkable mother–daughter duo and the proud owners of Over the Moon Coffee in Kingston. Their café has become far more than a place to grab a cup of coffee—it is a true community haven. The shift they’ve brought to this space is unmistakable. Inclusivity, connection, and genuine hospitality now define every corner. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, you’re likely to leave with a smile—and often a hug from Joanne herself.

Their coffee and food are crafted in-house, their beans roasted by them, and the café’s record collection alone is worth a visit. There is intention in everything they do, and it shows. The café officially opened on September 1, 2020, but the story began earlier. Lee started negotiations for the business in late 2019 and took possession of the space on March 1, 2020—just days before COVID shutdowns halted renovation plans and brought the world to a standstill. What began as a dream quickly became a leap of faith.

The turning point came when the roastery unexpectedly became available. Lee called Joanne and asked, “Want to start a coffee shop with me?” Joanne, burned out after more than 25 years in nursing in Colorado and ready to be closer to her daughter, said yes without hesitation. Neither had owned a business before, but both shared a deep desire to spend more time together and build something meaningful. Five years later, that heart-led decision has grown into a thriving, beloved business that continues to expand throughout the Kitsap Peninsula and into the Seattle area.

Before moving to Kingston in 2020, Joanne spent decades in healthcare, while Lee had been building her life in Kitsap since 2016. Their involvement in the community deepened when they took over the roastery, and today they are active members of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce. They support local schools, Toni’s Ponies, Kids in Concert, and numerous nonprofits. They proudly stand with the LGBTQIA community and are committed to ensuring Over the Moon remains a safe, inclusive place for everyone. Lee also serves as director of the new Kingston Pride group, working with organizations across the county to foster connection, understanding, and belonging.

Like all small business owners, they face challenges—rising costs, taxes, and the constant weight of responsibility. But when asked what the greatest reward has been, their answer is simple: time together. Everything else, they’ve learned through trial and error. Joanne brought decades of care, empathy, and resilience from healthcare into an entirely new field, while Lee leaned on experience gained in restaurants, roasting, and barista work.

Their favorite menu items reflect who they are. Lee loves a good dirty chai—the inspiration behind their signature Moonshadow roast. Joanne gravitates toward comforting favorites like the sweet bean burrito bowl, paired with an Americano and maybe one of their brown butter pumpkin seed cookies.

Though Over the Moon Coffee is already woven into the heart of downtown Kingston, Lee and Joanne are dreaming forward. They hope to host poetry open mic nights, trivia and game evenings, coffee tastings, and bring back their beloved crafternoons. They envision expanding the kitchen for daily fresh-baked goods, adding more gluten-free and vegan options, and eventually remodeling to create more seating—including a cozy pellet-stove corner made for lingering conversations.

They are passionate about deepening connections with local farms and dream of introducing farm-to-table offerings, crop swaps, Fix-It Fairs, and other community-centered experiences. What surprises them most, when they look back, is just how far they’ve come—opening during the isolation of a pandemic and building something rooted in connection. The Kingston community has embraced them fully, and they take pride in supporting local artists whose work rotates through the café each quarter.

Today, when asked what brings them the most joy, their answer is beautifully simple: talking with great people every day, building relationships, and having the privilege of working side by side as family.Over the Moon Coffee is proof that when you lead with heart, community follows. And if you haven’t been yet—go. Stay awhile. You’ll feel it the moment you walk through the door. 

If you want to see me in the wild... I will be spending a lot of time here!