Coffee shop dreams become reality for two sisters, despite obstacles
Nirvana Soul cofounders Jeronica Macey and Be’Anka Ashaolu are getting ready to open their Nirvana Soul coffee shop in downtown San Jose. Photo courtesy of Jeronica Macey and Be’Anka Ashaolu.
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Coffee shops abound but not many are owned by two Black women who happen to be sisters.
Jeronica Macey and Be'Anka Ashaolu are cofounders of Nirvana Soul, which is opening in downtown San Jose later this month.
Macey said she always wanted to open a coffee shop and now, thanks to her sister's unwavering support, her dream is becoming a reality after 10 years of planning.
"We knew especially with everything that is going on people needed a space of calm, love, and hope. Every new business owner would be somewhat concerned but I am just trying to focus on the positive," Macey said.
Nirvana Soul will be moving into Caffe Frascati's site (the coffee shop closed in March) in the historic Sainte Claire building on south First Street, which also houses Culinary Corner Bistro, Cubamex and Original Joe's.
"Caffe Frascati reflects the values and culture we plan to continue at Nirvana Soul," Ashaolu said. "It's been a place for artists and coffee lovers alike. When we first envisioned Nirvana Soul, we knew music, poetry and art would be a large part of the experience."
Nate LeBlanc, business development manager for the San Jose Downtown Association, said he is thrilled Nirvana Soul chose downtown San Jose.
"They're opening at possibly the hardest time there has ever been to open a small business, but their ingenuity, resiliency, design sense and social media presence is going to help give them the best possible platform to launch," he said.
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, from February to April, about 41 percent of Black-owned businesses, 32 percent of Latino-owned businesses and 26 percent of Asian-owned businesses closed due to COVID-19, compared to 17 percent of white-owned businesses.
In addition to concerns about coronavirus, the sisters faced many hurdles along the way - not the least of which was repeatedly being denied a bank loan.
"We'd walk into a bank and just because of the color of our skin they'd say, 'No,' without even knowing if we owned a home and had money," Macey said. "It took us a really long time to be approved by the Small Business Administration to secure funding and we got the bare minimum."
Macey said her friends who aren't Black and own businesses were shocked by what the sisters went through to get approved.
"There is injustice," she said. "Things have to change. There is a seat at the table for everybody. I am qualified and I don't want anyone to make me feel that I'm not, and I don't want that for anyone else. We have to help each other to do better and be better."
In pursuit of racial equity, Facebook on June 19 pledged $200 million in support of Black businesses, creators and nonprofits serving Black communities. The company has committed to investing $1.1 billion to aid Black and diverse communities by the end of 2021.
U.S. Senators, including vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris (D-Calif), introduced the Minority Business Resiliency Act July 2 to help minority entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. The bill would increase the ability of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to provide grants and coordinate with other federal agencies.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the disparities already facing minority-owned small businesses. Enhancing and making MBDA permanent will provide the resources and funding needed for minority-owned businesses to succeed in California and across the nation," Harris said in a report from the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Ashaolu said she views the struggles as part of their journey. The sisters say they are looking forward to contributing to San Jose's "colorful culture while carving out a unique space for people of color."
"The funny thing is people keep asking us where we're from; like we're outsiders coming in and taking over a beloved community shop," Ashaolu said. "That just goes to show you how rare it is to see Black and women-owned businesses here."
Things are finally starting to turn around for the sisters: painting is almost finished and they've hired their first employee. They're selling merchandise online and have already sold more than 100 bags of coffee. To promote their brand, they're also doing popups on Sunday mornings at Del Monte Park in downtown San Jose.
"Thank God we decided to open a coffee shop. It forces people to take a walk and grab a cup of coffee. People need to go outside, get some air and have a conversation with someone," Macey said. "My hope is that we're playing a part in bringing people together."
This story was originally published by San Jose Spotlight. Contact Lorraine Gabbert.