I recently joined the Big Teeth Productions team, but if you were to look at the 843 different prior jobs I have on my resume, you would not find the word “Barista” anywhere.  I was instantly reminded of my lack of creative coffee making skills within the first minutes of my first day.

Setting out to make my first pot at Big Teeth, I had dreams of creating a welcoming aroma as coworkers came in to start the week.  After all, I love to create giddy smiles of happiness and delight others with culinary treats, goodies and surprises sure to invoke creativity and build moral at the workplace.

This is what happened –

After locating the coffee pot and pouring water in, I noticed a reusable filter in the machine as well as  paper filters in a cabinet.  My environmentally friendly side said, “Nah, no paper filter needed.”   After putting the grounds in the machine (86 the paper filter,) I poured the water into the hopper, visions of International Coffee ads with french waiter "Jean Luc" dancing in my head.  The coffee pot percolated along – music to my ears.  I came back to pour a cup into a Big Teeth Logo-ed mug, noticing the logo was wearing off a bit.  I went back to my desk to roll up my sleeves and start my first day, noting I'd have to replace the worn mug with a fresh one.

“Jill, you still need to use a paper filter.  No worries, I’ll just drink it.”  “Just so you know, Gregg’s mug is the one with the worn logo.”  “I picked up some milk too.  Looks like we will just have some extra.” 

I was initiated into the Big Teeth morning coffee ritual with kind words and laughter.  This fine- tuned machine accepted my coffee making skills and selflessly helped bring me up to par with their own skill level.   I’m finding this same selfless sharing of skills and ideas in everything I do at Big Teeth, whether it’s making coffee, rebranding a company or planning a shoot.  I think I’m going to like it here.

First days can be both exciting and full of moments to make you cringe for weeks.  Any “first day” stories out there you can look back and laugh at?

editors note: all the kind words Jill wrote were of her own accord. We don't force our staff/bloggers to like us... just tolerate us.