Black & Brown Owned Coffee Shop in Ocean Hill

Small businesses make up the heart of our communities. They create local jobs, offer unique products and services, and most importantly keep more money within our local communities. Currently, the neighborhood of Ocean Hill has a limited selection of coffee shops. They are either franchises or shops that also contribute to the negative impacts of gentrification. These spaces are largely disconnected from our neighborhood. This highlighted a need to bridge the gap between the operations of businesses and the values of the community. With our team at The Hill Coffee Shop, we plan on doing just that. We believe that the key to a thriving business is to highlight the generational narratives of the Ocean Hill community that are rooted in triumph and resilience.

As owners, Natiah and I signed our lease the week before the lockdown happened and COVID19 became a very real reality. We were not able to move forward with construction because of the city mandated restrictions. Understanding we were not going to be able to move as planned, we decided to use our online presence to partner up with those who needed assistance at the time. We chose to work with Neighbors Together, a local food kitchen that put a plan in place for those who could not afford food when our local officials did not. We sold about 60 mugs with half of all proceeds going to NT. 

When we were clear that store spaces will never be the same, we pivoted. We are so excited to announce that Prolific Studios will also be housed in our space. Our coffee shop has become a bigger concept and a foundation. We believe that in order for impactful change to happen, ownership of our community spaces are important. Instead of relying on other people to provide spaces, we are using this opportunity to create our own. The Hill will become a natural creative hub. Watch our video to learn more about our communities and our voices.