Palestine Magazine Spring 2024 | Page 21

events , groups and clubs or for those who simply need a familiar place to meet .
Jocelyn ’ s first made their mark in Palestine in 2008 . Owners Ly Sath and Brandon Touk were a young married couple living in Maryland when they decided to seek their own path .
“ We ’ re married , but have different last names ,” Sath said with a laugh . “ I was so young . I didn ’ t know I was supposed to change my name . When I found out I would have to change my drivers license , social security card and so many other things , I said ‘ I ’ ll just keep it !’”
Sath was a barista for Starbucks in the couple ’ s former home , which ignited her passion for creativity in the kitchen . Eventually she and Touk made the decision to build something for themselves .
“ Brandon has always wanted to be his own boss and I wanted to have my own coffee shop and bakery ,” Sath said . “ To pursue our dream of opening a bakery or coffee shop , we traveled over 2,000 miles across Texas and Louisiana . We stopped at various donut shops along the way to inquire about potential job opportunities and leasing options and put our plan together .”
The couple had planned on settling in a larger metropolitan area , namely Houston or San Antonio , but a conversation with the friend of a friend found them looking at Palestine .
“ We fell in love with this community ,” Sath said . “ We knew this is where we wanted to make our home .”
Near the end of 2008 , Sath and Touk packed up what they could fit in their Toyota Camry , mostly clothes and
SPRING EDITION 2024 21