In 2017, we had a “crazy dream” to open a nonprofit coffee shop in Cary, North Carolina that would employ adults with disabilities. Angie was inspired by her lived experience with a visual disability, and Tamara drew motivation from her work as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Seeing the lack of meaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities, we set out to make that dream a reality.

With no prior experience in coffee shop ownership, we became co-founders of Esteamed Coffee. Over the span of almost 3 years, we raised funds, earned nonprofit status, took business courses, renovated a cottage, and trained a staff—many of whom were working for the first time. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, Esteamed Coffee opened in December 2020, in the middle of the pandemic.

We began by employing 18 adults with disabilities and have since grown to host social events and clubs, feature art by local disabled artists, pair volunteers of all abilities, and sell staff-designed merchandise that directly benefits our team. Esteamed Coffee continues to build community and change lives in a warm, inclusive space.

- Angie Hudson and Tamara Lapsley Co-Founders of Esteamed Coffee