Espresso 19

Hello! My name is Rogan Shannon, and I’m the owner of espresso 19. This is the blog version of a four-part series about myself and e19 that’s posted on my Instagram and YouTube.

Beans

When discussing with people what this business should be called, a lot of ideas were thrown around, but eventually we settled on espresso 19. Why? Espresso and 19 have the same handshape and movement! There are many reasons why I want to have e19 become a reality. It’s been a long time dream of mine to open up a cozy coffee shop, especially an all-signing one. 

Seattle has a huge deaf community, and is coffee central, and yet, there are no Deaf-owned shops. I want to change that, and provide a space where Deaf people can comfortably gather and not feel the need to accommodate anyone.

Grounds

Let’s go over the goals of e19 and what I hope to see this become!

Currently, e19 is functioning as a pop-up business. I have a monthly event at the Deaf Spotlight office, along with some additional events here and there. The long-term plan is to upgrade to a trailer/truck, then a physical brick and mortar store. I aim to have all my major ingredients locally sourced, and from Deaf-owned businesses whenever possible.

My big dream for e19 is that it becomes a cherished third place for the Deaf and signing community. For those not familiar with the concept, third places are spaces where people gather that is not the home or work. A few examples of third spaces: theaters, malls, libraries, parks, and coffee shops. Right now, the Seattle signing community doesn’t really have a consistent, easily accessible third place.

That makes it difficult to build a strong, well-knit community, and I’m someone who’s always wanted to support community building, whatever form that looks like. When e19 eventually gets a physical space, I hope that it will be able to become a hub for the Deaf community here in Seattle, and be a catalyst for growth of all kinds.

Espresso 19 will be a place that serves the community, inclusive of all, and supports marginalized communities in any way it’s able. A portion of the profits will be paid toward RealRent.

Brew

Next, let’s talk about my current events and where you can find me.

As I said earlier, my long-term plan is to have a brick-and-mortar shop. Until we get there, I will be doing pop-ups and various events. I currently have an agreement with Deaf Spotlight to use their space once a month, and I announce the date at the start of each month. I also sign up to vend at events such as Punk Rock Flea Market and Maker’s Market. I plan on eventually expanding into farmers’ markets, festivals or similar events. 

I’m also going to be setting up a form right here on my website where you will be able to contact me and hire me to set up a coffee bar at your event – a conference, wedding, a big party, whatever! We can discuss how long, what you would like to have provided, and all the nitty gritty details.

Sip

In closing, here’s some ways you can best support me, however you’re able!

First, and maybe the easiest, is telling your friends and family about e19. Bring it up during casual conversation, or share my posts with them. But don’t just share the word, also show up to the events and drag your friends with you! I would love to see new and old faces whenever I’m making drinks and serving you!

If you’re physically too far from Seattle, another way you can support e19 is by donating. I have a ko-fi set up for donations, and you can choose however much you want to donate. You can also share the donation page with people you know. Every little bit counts!

Finally, this is somewhat adjacent to e19, but still very relevant. I have a survey that I would like people who are familiar with Seattle and its Deaf community to fill out. The goal of this survey is to collect data on Deaf spaces in Seattle, to show how much it’s needed here, and hopefully it will be helpful to use for applying to business grants and the such. It’s very much appreciated if you take the time out of your day to do it! It should take no longer than ten minutes to do.

If after all this, you still have questions, please feel free to ask away. Thank you for taking the time to read, and I look forward to meeting you face-to-face in the future!