The call for more Black entrepreneurship is at an all-time high right now, and young people are stepping up to fill in the gaps to increase representation for Black businessmen and women.

According to Black Business, 18-year-old high school graduate and entrepreneur Zachary Hamlett recently launched a fundraising campaign via Kickstarter to open up The Hamlett, San Diego’s newest Black-owned coffee and apothecary shop.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEAIlBsjZnD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“With the support of my family and advisors, my dream is to establish a coffee and apothecary shop that also serves as an incubator for Black-owned health and wellness startups in San Diego,” said Hamlett.

Hamlett describes the business as “a community hub and incubator promoting Black-owned enterprises and wellness” that will provide a safe space for community members, educational workshops, and exposure for up-and-coming Black-owned businesses.

Black Business reports that the coffee shop will serve fair-trade coffee, apothecary herbs, and various health and wellness products to customers while also promoting local commerce and hosting weekly events.

According to Hamlett, the new shop’s mission is to solve the “community’s desire for an elevated community space that resonates with millennials and Gen Z.”

COVID-19 has brought on many detrimental effects to Black and Brown communities across the U.S., and The Hamlett is a strong effort to emphasize the importance of community in relation to uplifting local businesses.

So far, Hamlett has raised close to $10,000 with a goal of $40,000 to launch this new business venture.

With hopes that the fundraising campaign proves to be a success, The Hamlett is on track to open in January 2021.

To donate to the campaign, click here.

For more information on The Hamlett, visit their website.

Zachary Hamlett

Sign up for our daily Newsletter.