Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Jones.
Sasha, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Sasha Jones. I was born in Ohio and moved to LA in 2008. I’m the HBIC at Cuties Coffee and do community organizing with my partner, Tracee. Our work focuses on bringing black and brown folks together. We have a seasonal group camping trip, POC Camp, where 20-30 POC gather for community and healing via nature. We also host a monthly meetup for queer & trans POC practicing non-monogamy or polyamory.
I’ve always loved bringing folks together, and it feels really good to be able to flex that muscle in such an intentional way, and with my partner.
When I’m not doing this, you can find me dancing, looking at flowers, roller skating, hiking, or petting my cats.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’d say it has been and continues to be a combination of smooth and bumpy. And isn’t that how things are in life? We really can’t have one without the other. Our struggles look like many other small businesses; financial stability, paying our team members a living wage and offering them benefits, ensuring our team members feel seen and heard. We are a small group constantly growing and learning how we can better support each other and in turn, our community.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cuties Coffee – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a queer-owned + operated coffee shop and community space serving up coffee, tea, and pastries daily! We are known for being the only queer coffee shop in LA, and we are, but we are SO much more than that. As a community space, we strive to elevate other queer makers and doers, and we do this by regularly hosting events. From food pop-ups and markets to craft and kink events, we offer many ways to connect with community. We also have monthly events that are for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) only, as we understand the importance of these spaces, especially in the queer community.
What we’re most proud of is simply being a safe & comforting space for those who want to feel safe & comforted, and this goes for our patrons and our staff. We want you to feel loved at Cuties. In the LGBTQ+ community, it can be difficult to find a place to be, that doesn’t involve alcohol or partying, and we are grateful to offer that space. This is what sets us apart from other queer spaces and coffee shops. We are intentional and mindful about the space that we are creating. This goes for the way the shop looks, as well! Unlike a lot of other LA coffee shops that have a more stark or minimalist look, we have colorful mood lighting, bright walls, queer art on the walls, an ever-growing library, and a disco ball on our pink patio – it’s a queer’s dream!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about LA is its ability to create an energy that allows people to feel free to express themselves. I always say that this city is full of freaks but in the best way! LA really makes you feel like you can do + be whoever you want, and I love that. What I like least about it (after the traffic) is the constant go-go-go energy, the “What do you do?” energy. The pressure to always be creating or doing can get exhausting if you’re not good at balancing work and play.
Contact Info:
- Address: 710 N Heliotrope Dr
Los Angeles, CA
90029 - Website: www.hicuties.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Sasha Jones
Tracee Munnerlyn
Abbe Drake
Randy Richards
Chris Rosales
Peter Mac
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