Stockist Spotlight: Playground Coffeeshop // Brooklyn, New York
We feature all of our different rad stockists weekly because we believe in supporting small business!
What's the name of your shop? Where are you located? Tell us about y'all!
Playground Coffee Shop located at 1114 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY 11216. We are a full service coffee shop with a consignment store for work made by local artists (which anyone can contribute to). Playground also functions as an event space during and after store hours. We hold community meetings, galleries, shows, open mics, educational courses, private events, etc.
What made you decide to open? How long have you been around?
During and after college I had never studied in libraries - traditional study halls would drive me insane. I found myself in coffee shops, book stores, the park, etc. I thought why not build a place that take away the pressure of being a bar or restaurant and create a place where people just assemble, protest, study, socialize, create, etc.
I was also working with 8Ball Zines where I was introduced to so many mediums of art and a subculture of the art scene it change my perspective on my life and art in general. Whether it was the friends that brought to 8ball Zines and the people I made a result inspired me to take the initiative to create a place where can come together.
We have around since October 31, 2016 - Almost 7 months.
What's your favorite thing about being a small biz owner?
Being at a place I love 24/7. Meeting some amazing people who see the growth of playground as I do in their own mission and vision.
What's your favorite thing to buy for your store? How has the shop allowed you to discover new artists/product?
My favorite to buy for the shop is the milk. The delivery guys always exchange interesting superstitions with as well providing us with the crates to use for our consignment. haha.
I have met so many artists from chefs, fine artists, performance artists, etc.
So many people in Bed-Stuy and surrounding neighborhoods bake, cook, make clothes, provide sort of service. Me being able to meet these people can make the platform very strong as anyone can use these resources through us.
Why did you want to open your store? What was your mission/intention?
I wanted to open a place that got me excited to work and collaborate with people again. I did not want to work for anyone moving forward and I pushed myself passed my limit to build a structure that exists to promote growth and community.
My mission is to work with my community members (POC and Allies) to alleviate our culture. In a time like this (Post Obama) I feel it is important to work with your loved ones to make your cause be heard and known.
We have to exercise our 'Right to Revolution' in food, physical space, mental health.
Our mission is to organize, assemble to draft change in the way we think about business, coffee, our community by entering the Playground Community for the advancement of POC around a coffee shop element.