Creating Careers With Coffee
Propelling Young Womxn + Gender Expansive Youth From Coffee to Career

Project Description
REAL CHANGE CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE, EVEN A CAFE . . .
BUT FIRST, WE NEED A LOCATION!

Flava Café General Benefit Corporation is a social enterprise community café invested in offering quality coffee, food, service and programming that eliminates disparities for young women of color and gender expansive youth one latte at a time.
Mission: To build community through coffee and create opportunities for young women of color and gender expansive youth by propelling them from coffee to career.
Vision: To cultivate cafe culture of community that centers intersectional equity, sustainability and imagination.

Every cup of coffee is an investment in skill development, confidence and leadership building, as well as advances intentional community engagement. Flava Cafe is dedicated to offering:
Work Experience & Coaching
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Teach essential employment skills for young women and gender expansive youth ages 16-24 and to create opportunities to build social and professional networks.
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Provide 1:1 personal coaching to walk alongside young women and youth on their journey of self-discovery and capacity building.
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Engage young women and gender expansive youth in intentional dialogue of social justice issues that impact their lived experience.
- Provide tools for advancing advocacy and gender and racial equity.
Community & Culture
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Creating a welcoming, safe, and affirming environment for youth and community can grow and build connection
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Establishing a vibrant space that celebrates Black life and culture
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Developing an inclusive place where people can engage in transformative dialogue
MEET THE FOUNDER

Flava Café was founded by Shaunie Grigsby, a youth development practitioner, mentor, and activist who knows firsthand the professional and personal impact of walking alongside a supportive circle of womxn and peers.
As a young Black girl growing up in Detroit, Shaunie didn’t feel the promise of a bright future due to societal and economic inequities. When she turned 16, Shaunie started to envision who she wanted to be, and how she would in turn give that back to the community. Shaunie was determined to not let racist systems and stereotypes determine her future, capacity, or possibilities.
Now she’s helping young womxn embrace the same courage with Flava Café.
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where will your coffeeshop be located? Flava Café will be located in Saint Paul, Minnesota along the University Corridor
- When is your coffeeshop opening date? Flava is slated to open in Fall 2021, considering the impact of COVID-19 on the construction process.
- When will rewards be shipped? Rewards are shipped bi-weekly in order received.
- I don’t’ have a bank account. Can I contribute via CashApp or Venmo? Yes, monetary contributions can be made via CashApp$flavacafemn or Venmo @flavacafemn .
- If I contribute via CashApp or Venmo will I still receive a reward? Yes, once you’ve made your contribution send an email to [email protected]. Include your CashApp/Venmo handle and preferred mailing address. Merchandise is determined by the contribution level.
- What will the funds of this campaign be used for? Funds raised for the campaign will be used for the coffee shop buildout (i.e. equipment, furniture, fixtures, etc).
- Is this all you need? Nope! There are other costs that need to be covered to get the space open, but this is a huge start! We're securing grants, creating partnerships, and continuing to connect with our community to make Flava a reality.










Just Because I Care

Envision your most wildest dreams while sipping from this beautiful mug.

Is it a big bowl or an oversized mug? You decide, enjoy your favorite soup, ice cream, cereal or latte in our 25oz bowl.
- Holds 25oz
- Made for hot beverages or foods
- Microwave and dishwasher safe.

Represent Flava Café in this dope gender neutral hoodie. Available in sizes S-XL.

We're all just figuring it out. Have some fun with friends and family piecing together a beautiful collage of the Flava story. Artwork by Silent Fox
- 8" x 10", 60 pieces: Puzzle
- Grade A acrylic is high quality, water resistant, and long lasting

Double up and represent Flava with this dope tote bag paired with our 11oz Radical Dream Mug

Infuse the Flava Brand in your home, office or business with a limited edition customized throw pillow. With this bundle deal you'll also receive our 25oz soup bowl.
- Throw Pillow 16" x 16", Cotton
- - -
- Holds 25oz
- Made for hot beverages
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
Artwork created by Silent Fox.

Flava Maker Legacy Wall + Limited Edition Poster Print + Flava Family Soup Bowl
Become apart of Flava history and have your name and photo forever on our legacy wall. Flava Makers will also receive a limited edition poster print of the Flava story and 25oz soup bowl.
Rewards
Just Because I Care

Envision your most wildest dreams while sipping from this beautiful mug.

Is it a big bowl or an oversized mug? You decide, enjoy your favorite soup, ice cream, cereal or latte in our 25oz bowl.
- Holds 25oz
- Made for hot beverages or foods
- Microwave and dishwasher safe.

Represent Flava Café in this dope gender neutral hoodie. Available in sizes S-XL.

We're all just figuring it out. Have some fun with friends and family piecing together a beautiful collage of the Flava story. Artwork by Silent Fox
- 8" x 10", 60 pieces: Puzzle
- Grade A acrylic is high quality, water resistant, and long lasting

Double up and represent Flava with this dope tote bag paired with our 11oz Radical Dream Mug

Infuse the Flava Brand in your home, office or business with a limited edition customized throw pillow. With this bundle deal you'll also receive our 25oz soup bowl.
- Throw Pillow 16" x 16", Cotton
- - -
- Holds 25oz
- Made for hot beverages
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
Artwork created by Silent Fox.

Flava Maker Legacy Wall + Limited Edition Poster Print + Flava Family Soup Bowl
Become apart of Flava history and have your name and photo forever on our legacy wall. Flava Makers will also receive a limited edition poster print of the Flava story and 25oz soup bowl.