Hi, I’m Erin — founder of Rhythm Coffee.
I’ve worn a lot of titles in my life: photographer, educator, trip leader, marketer, storyteller — and through it all, I’ve spent years in the service industry, learning what it means to truly care for people. From cafés to classrooms, galleries to global expeditions, the common thread has always been connection.

For nearly a decade, I taught photography and art in places as varied as Hawaii, Thailand, and Iowa — guiding students to notice the beauty in light, texture, and everyday life. Alongside that, I led global photography trips with National Geographic Student Expeditions, traveling to places like Iceland, Greece, Tanzania, and Belize to help young artists see the world through a more mindful lens.

Between those adventures, I worked countless jobs in the service industry — including over two years as a barista — where I discovered how much meaning can live inside the ritual of making something for someone else. That rhythm, that exchange, eventually became the heartbeat behind Rhythm Coffee.

It’s my love of art, presence, and shared moments — made tangible through coffee. Each drink is crafted with care: real ingredients, thrifted mugs, and the kind of attention that reminds us that small things matter.

These days, I call Detroit home. I spend my mornings brewing, writing, and hanging out with my cat, Cortado — dreaming up ways to create experiences that feel like an exhale.
You can also find my visual art and photography over at erincarnes.com.