Get to know local business owners on a more personal level with our Shout It Out feature.
Name: Katie & Nick Forte
Business: June & December
What do you love most about Berkley?
We love the people! Berkley’s pulse is warm and welcoming, and has a collective determination to maintain its wonderful atmosphere as a place and community. The people who live, work, and play here also enhance the events the Chamber and the DDA put on, which adds to the diversity of businesses that reside here. We are excited to be a small part of it!
What inspired you to start your business? Or, what do you love most about the business you work for?
Our family had a few life-changing experiences in 2010 that forced us to re-evaluate our life/career choices. From that point forward, we focused on a future working together, aligning our life choices more with our values. This inspired the creation of June & December, an adventure we named after the birth months of our children, who are at the heart of everything we do. It symbolizes our commitment to what truly matters to us.
When you’re not working, what do you do that brings you joy?
Our kids bring us the most joy. Our oldest is in college, and our youngest is a sophomore at BHS. We also love hiking and traveling.
What Berk Perk discount are you offering?
We are offering 10% off purchases on items over $10.
What other Berkley business(es) would you like to give a shout out to and why?
We’re huge fans of Coffee + Bark and love to bring the team there on mornings of special occasions. But there are SO many great businesses! Casa Amado’s tacos are so good! We’re also smitten with eco-friendly neighbors like Toadvine Books and Chemistry Salon! We could go on….
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Katie : Create more time in the day. Does that count?
Nick : The power to help people understand that things are never as bad as we make them out to be.
Who are the most important people or pets in your life?
Our kids are the most important people, and we have a white, fluffy fur baby at home, our cat Luna. She runs our household - we all bend to her demands pretty easily.
What music, artists, books, shows, movies, or activities are you into right now?
Katie : I have a stack. I’m finishing up The Mother Tree right now and I’m a big fan of the podcasts like A Bit of Optimism, Rethinking, and The Moth.
Nick : I enjoy discovering new artists and sharing songs with our daughter - who enjoys making playlists and sharing music like I do! One of our new favorites is the new album by The Strumbellas. I also very much enjoy watching The Walking Dead with our son and talking about what would happen to the world and humanity during an apocalypse.
What is your favorite food?
Katie : 5 years ago, I’d say Thai food. Today, I would say veggies. Nick is a really good cook! Right now, my favorite is a pasta he makes, where he layers in the flavors with veggies in the sauce. It’s delicious!
Nick : I can eat pretty much anything, but usually, a homemade meal we make in advance that doesn’t take much work and is easy to clean up is my favorite!