Why am I a Business major?

Well, to answer the question in the broadest of terms it’s because I want to build a safe space. 

Ever since I was in my early teens I was a part of a Pride Youth Group called Candle, they helped me understand and feel great about myself but, I only heard about it by chance. That youth group helped me out so much with being able to accept who I was and still am. I wanted to share that experience with others but, when I looked into places where LGBTQ+ people could be themselves safely; well let’s say I didn’t find much. 

When you think of places for LGBTQ+ people to hang out you instantly think of bars or clubs and most importantly you think of adults. I wanted to build my own shop a coffee shop/cafe to be specific, a Pride-themed one. The shop will be a safe space for LGBTQ+ people to come and have a relaxing time with the atmosphere and just a nice place to chill and be themselves without the peer pressure of parting from clubs or bars. It also gives the added benefit of younger people hanging out. You don’t need to be of a certain age to come in and have a bite to eat or something to drink. The Youth group I was a part of may sound like this would be the perfect place for kids to hang out and it would’ve but, it was in an office building at night. The Coffee shop I plan to build will allow people of all ages young to old to just be themselves without judgment and can connect with the community. I became a business major so I can gain the money and experience to run my safe space for the people who need it and for those who want it. 

This is a dream I’ve had for many years now, I came to New Paltz to help make that a reality. I’ve had much support for my dream from the people I choose to be around and from my teachers who helped me get this far in my schooling. For now, I have a general idea of the building and interior design that I want and a decent menu of drinks and food. My motto on the menu is basically “Starbucks! But, better food!” I have a small hatred for their food. My goal is to get a job and save up enough money to put a down payment on a building and get started from there. I’d most likely place it in Nyack. It’s a lovely town with a great community and is very welcoming I would not mind starting my business and a life there. Depending on how my life and my business go I might do a second location in another close by town, I’m not sure about where but, I know for sure I am going to start this business in Nyack NY.