FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2024
“We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond”
-Gwendolyn Brooks
Family,
First, we want to say thank you for all the many ways that you have invested in the space and community that has made Semilla what it is in the past (almost) 3 years since we opened our doors. Semilla is a beautiful space, but it is only the “vibe” you love because of what each of you brings to it. As we previously shared, the business is experiencing changes and we would like to be as transparent as possible. Semilla is in danger of closing its doors due to financial challenges. It is our intention to do everything in our power to prevent this from happening.
The next 90 days will serve as a period of transition at the end of which we make a decision about whether we are able to continue to keep our beloved neighborhood living room open. Semilla will have a change in stewardship during this period. Aimee will stay connected to the business near term and work in collaboration with Sade Erinfolami and Kevin Joiner (of KBarr) to keep the space open and thriving. We are grateful to Isaiah and Hendrick for sticking with us and agreeing to help to support the space through this time of change. Elijah will be stepping away to pursue other ventures.
For the next 90 days we want you to know what you can expect from us:
- Consistency – we will operate without question at the hours listed on our IG and found on Google
- Updated menu options – we will roll out new offerings as they become available in an effort to diversify our menu in the ways that many of you have inquired about over time
- Mobile ordering for your convenience –we know parking can be a pain. While we implore the City of Hartford and Hartford Parking Authority to help support the operations of existing small businesses in their Arrowhead Gateway Planning Area, and to proactively address the harm and separation that the highway has created and reinforced over time, we hope this added service will provide an easier way for you to support Semilla, even when you’re on the go! Mobile ordering for pickup will roll out on our website soon. Stay tuned!
- The vibes remain! One of our biggest priorities is for Semilla to continue to be a vivid and musical space where our BIPOC, queer, and age diverse family is centered. You can expect to see friendly, familiar faces while coming in to grab coffee, to do work, conduct meetings, or just chop it up.
We will continue to keep you informed every step of the way as updates happen and as opportunities to support Semilla become available. We will not leave you wondering. If you are able, and feel so moved, here is what you can do to assist right now:
- Stop by for a bevvy(!) – Isaiah is sooo into cheffing up the iced summer specials— support us by supporting his creative pursuit!
- Rent the space – Support the shop by choosing Semilla to host your next meeting or event. Reserve space via our website. (scroll to the bottom of the page!)
- Purchase a gift card or donate directly via these links.
We look forward to announcing opportunities to support the space through fundraising events, the first of which will be August 1, 2024 at the shop. More details to come.
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We want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Elijah for all the time, energy, sweat, and tears that he has put into building and maintaining Semilla. His spirit, and love for this community, remains a lasting part of the space. We look forward to being in community with him in new and different ways and congratulate him on his next adventure. His last shift at Semilla will be July 9th.
Thank you as well to the San Juan Center for working with us during this difficult time. And, finally, thank you all for riding on this journey with us. We believe that with continued support from you, Semilla can only become a better version of the Hartford staple that you have come to know and love.
“Seasons will change and we will bloom again.” -S. Kukolic
