- Role
- Founder. Business and legal setup, fundraising, training program, brand and menu design, first hires.
- Through
- CymaSpace
- Built on
- Universal Design & accessibility technology
- Also built
- The large-scale LED installation in the windows
I founded the café to champion and usher in leadership from the Deaf BIPOC and Queer community. Through their hard work it has become a self-sustaining enterprise and part of Portland's workforce development.
The café is built on Universal Design and accessibility technology, and signing is the default language of the room. It is a disability-friendly workplace and a route into hospitality careers for Deaf and disabled people.
Most of founding a café is unglamorous. I did the legal and financial setup of the business, and raised the startup capital it took to open the doors. I built the training program, designed the marketing and menu materials, and oversaw the hiring of the first staff. I also made the large-scale LED installation that fills the windows, so the room announces itself from the street. I hosted sign language events there regularly.
The walls showcase the work of Deaf and disabled artists, alongside a program of cultural activities: sign language poetry slams, DJ nights, and family events including SignKids ASL Dungeons & Dragons.
It extends CymaSpace's mission of bridging communities through art and culture, and it anchors our work to elevate Deaf and disability artists.
Read the announcement →The film