Coffee Shop with a Cause: Brewed Gems in Foley Offers More Than Just Drinks

A Unique Coffee Shop with a Personal Mission

In the small town of Foley, Minnesota, Carissa Fouquette has created something truly special. What started as an unexpected journey turned into the opening of Brewed Gems, a coffee shop that combines the love of coffee and crystals to support her family's medical needs.

Fouquette never imagined she would own a business, but after her 14-year-old brother, Jaymeson, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2023, her life took a new direction. The financial strain of his treatment became a driving force for her to find a way to help her family. While her father suggested pawning his crystal collection, Fouquette had a different idea. She noticed a historic storefront in downtown Foley was available and decided to take the leap.

In May 2024, Brewed Gems opened its doors, offering a unique blend of coffee and crystals. Every sale of crystals goes directly toward covering Jaymeson’s cancer treatment. "When I found this place, the idea of coffee and crystals kind of just came to me, and this whole thing started," Fouquette shared.

A Wide Variety of Crystals and Drinks

Brewed Gems is more than just a coffee shop—it's a crystal store with a vast selection. Fouquette stocks over 500,000 crystals, ensuring that customers can find exactly what they're looking for. From amethyst and rose quartz to obsidian and other popular stones, the shop caters to all tastes.

The coffee menu at Brewed Gems is equally unique. Drinks are named after different gems, such as the "amethyst," "sunstone," "bronzite," and "strawberry quartz." There are also rotating limited-edition items, including a current "tiki bar" drink with all-natural energy selections. Customers can even customize their own drinks to suit their preferences.

One of the most personal creations is the "Jaymeson latte," which was inspired by her brother. Initially, he asked for a Mountain Dew, but he eventually settled on a cookie-flavored drink featuring cookie butter and cookie crumbles. "I was never a coffee snob, and now I am... so I think our coffee is pretty up there, it's top tier, especially for a small shop in Foley," Fouquette said.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

Since opening, Brewed Gems has become a hub for the local community. Regulars have formed a strong connection with the shop, and Fouquette is often recognized around town more than her husband, who grew up in Foley. The shop also collaborates with other local organizations, such as Green Acres Animal Rescue, and will be hosting a back-to-school garage sale from August 13 to 17, featuring local ice cream and food trucks.

This summer, Brewed Gems will be a vendor at the Benton County Fair, and Fouquette occasionally hosts in-store events like tarot card readings and movie nights. These activities not only bring people together but also help raise awareness about her brother's journey.

Over the past year, Fouquette has seen how the shop has helped ease some of the financial pressure on her family. Although Jaymeson's tumor has been removed, he still has a long road to recovery, including physical therapy, buying new wheelchairs, and learning how to walk again.

Looking ahead, Fouquette hopes to expand Brewed Gems by adding new activities, such as a possible batting range. She also appreciates the recognition the shop has received, as it allows her to share her brother's story with others. "I will tell everyone from the roof, if I could, I'd have a huge billboard up there," she said. "It's different, it's very personal, but I think that helps (with) staying motivated during hard times."