June is a powerful month. We celebrate Pride and rejoice on Juneteenth, the anniversary of Union troops arriving in Texas with news of freedom.
According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, over 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree on Juneteenth, which became known as Freedom Day.
This month represents freedom and the right to live an authentic life for a segment of the population.
Based on data from UCLA Williams Institute, there are approximately 1.2 million U.S. adults who identify as Black and LGBTQ.
Tiffany Dezort proudly wears both labels and is a fifth-generation entrepreneur, mama, and wife.
There’s no better #NewtoNext for this month than Tiffany, and we were so happy to speak with them about Pride, how they teach their child about Juneteenth, and running a business with their spouse – Riss.
Enthuse Foundation: Thank you so much for joining us this special month. First, tell us about Eastside Roasterz.
Tiffany Dezort (TD): Eastside Roasterz is a Black, mom-owned, and LGBTQ+ coffee roaster based in Detroit. We currently supply freshly roasted specialty coffees, Italian-style sodas, and Detroit-inspired prints to consumers and businesses throughout the U.S. We are opening East English Village’s only coffee shop later this summer!
EF: Wow, that’s incredible. Congratulations on your soon-to-be-opened coffee shop. You spoke about the different labels that Eastside Roasterz proudly represents—black, mom, LGBTQ+ owned. What do you want others to know about your life wearing all those labels?
TD: The marginalized parts of you generally will make you a better entrepreneur. In my experience, it is intense but so fun and rewarding!
EF: Please tell us more about those marginalized parts, especially as we celebrate Pride Month.
TD: Our experience with the community is inextricable from our experience as entrepreneurs. Because this area hasn’t always been friendly to queer folks, especially Black and Brown queer folks, we’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate what it looks like to be affirming to LGBTQ people AND model what it means to live authentically in every part of your life. We’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate what it means to be a queer-affirming business and demonstrate what it means to be a queer entrepreneur in all parts of your life. Our way isn’t the only way, but it’s a privilege and a necessity to be out at work and home. Representation does matter when it comes to these things.
EF: You are so right! Representation is crucial. Tell us how you and your spouse decided to open your coffee business.
TD: My partner is a visionary about coffee roasting and running a coffee business. After our little one and I, coffee is her world. Going into business with her was easy, mainly because it was her dream!
EF: Operating your business with a spouse must be challenging. How do you navigate that dynamic?
TD: Running a business with my partner is the easiest job I’ve ever had! She’s the best coworker I’ve ever had, and we complement one another in the workplace well. I think being a Black, queer, femme, overly educated former stripper has only removed challenges for me :::laughs::: It’s helped me connect with others and build my network, and honestly, statistically, folks work better when they are living authentically, and they have much better health outcomes. That’s true for me, too!
EF: You are incredible. I think it’s also important to mention that you are also in a bi-racial relationship. Have you faced any discrimination because of that characteristic?
TD: It depends on where we are in the state. We’re given more guff in the suburbs and smaller cities in Michigan. However, we typically are in Detroit (and Dearborn, for those familiar with the inner Detroit areas). In this region, interracial queer couples are rare - especially when one partner is Black. It’s still a bit taboo for everyone, but especially for queer folks. But typically, folks melt when they meet our little one - she’s the best!
EF: Aww, that’s beautiful to hear. Tell us about your toddler.
TD: We truly started Eastside Roasterz because of our little one. We want to be present for her in ways our other careers couldn’t support or allow. We also wanted to leave her a legacy investment. We hope she will head into her 19th year as a millionaire!
EF: I love that. What do you want her to know about Juneteenth? How would you like her to celebrate?
TD: I want her to spend Juneteenth resting and dreaming! We are proud followers of The Nap Ministry, so rest is a big and aspirational activity in our home. I hope our little one will make rest a central part of her life for Juneteenth and forever.
EF: Rest is so important, especially for her parents, who are changing the world daily. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
TD: We wish all who are reading success—especially all the trailblazers! You have no idea who you are inspiring with your journey, so share it—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
EF: Thank you so much, Tiffany!
Check out some of our other blog posts on Juneteenth, including “Free to Empower All Women Entrepreneurs” and “#NewtoNext, Barter Black, Nicole Murphy.” For other resources in celebration of Pride Month, check out “Business Owners Take Pride in Living Their Authentic Truth,” “This Pride, Support an LGBTQ-Owned Business,” and “Ways to Look Beyond Gender Norms and Truly See a Consumer.”
Comments