THE PURPLE BOWL IS A LOCAL EATERY AND HANGOUT IN DOWNTOWN CHAPEL HILL SERVING AÇAÍ BOWLS, ARTISAN TOAST, ESPRESSO DRINKS, AND HEALTHY EATS.
Purple Bowls mission is to serve healthy, fresh, real food to downtown Chapel Hill. Make what we make better than anyone else. Create a rewarding and fun work environment. Provide a shared space that is a destination in Chapel Hill. Fuel active lifestyles in the Chapel Hill community.
This is Blythe Baker, a sophmore at UNC Chapel Hill who currently works at Purple Bowl. Blythe has spent years working in the food industry; in high school, she worked at a country club serving food. She works at Purple Bowl, a beloved local spot known for its fresh, healthy offerings and strong sense of community. Her time there has shown her the fast-paced nature of the food industry, the challenges of customer service, and the rewarding connections she has built with both coworkers and customers. From early shifts to late-night cleanups, Blythe has experienced the realities of restaurant work firsthand. She’s learned how to manage the chaos of a lunch rush, problem-solve on the fly, and ensure that each bowl leaving the counter meets high standards. While the work can sometimes be stressful, she finds satisfaction in the rhythm of the job and the teamwork required to keep things running smoothly.One of the most rewarding aspects of her job at Purple Bowl has been the relationships she’s built. Whether it’s a regular customer whose order she knows by heart or a coworker who has become a close friend, Blythe values the human connection that comes with food service.
The video highlights Blythe Baker, a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill who balances a demanding academic and extracurricular schedule with her job at Purple Bowl, a well-loved local spot known for its fresh, healthy offerings and strong sense of community. Blythe is a full-time student in the Kenan-Flagler Business School and actively involved on campus. She serves on the mental health cabinet for her Panhellenic sorority, Chi Omega, and is also a dedicated member of Carolina Women in Business. Despite her packed schedule, Blythe shares in the video that working at Purple Bowl never feels like a source of stress. Instead, she finds the environment to be supportive and energizing, crediting her understanding coworkers and the positive atmosphere for helping her maintain balance and perspective.
Creating The Video
Creating this video taught me how powerful everyday stories can be when told with care and intention. I set out to highlight not just Blythe’s busy schedule, but the human connections and quiet resilience that make her experience meaningful, both behind the register and beyond it.
The production process included:
- Pre-production research on Purple Bowl’s mission and role in Chapel Hill culture
- Multiple interview sessions with Blythe exploring her personal story and work experiences
- B-roll captured during morning shifts, food prep, and customer interactions
- Careful post-production editing to weave a narrative of balance, community, and character
This project challenged me to show the value of service work in a world that often overlooks it. Blythe’s story is a reminder that even in the middle of a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, connection, purpose, and joy can thrive, one açaí bowl at a time.
Stay in touch with Blythe through her LinkedIn.