We lost our small business in the LA wildfires. The community raised $20,000 for our team, and we're grateful beyond measure.

Photos courtesy of Matt and Anya Schodorf

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Matt and Anya Schodorf, owners and cofounders of Café de Leche, a coffee roasting café and small business in Los Angeles. It has been edited for length and clarity.