Blog - Intentionalist

Intentionalist CEO Laura Clise re: Pride Month 2020

Ever since I came out back in the nineties, I have been passionate about celebrating Pride Month. But as I sit here in anticipation of Pride Month 2020, things feel a bit different. The past few months have been a whirlwind as people and businesses have struggled for their very survival and yet...

Bellden Cafe Serves Up Kindness During Challenging Times

Claire Sumadiwirya grew up in Bellevue, but the plan to open a cafe in her neighborhood was actually born in Shanghai, China. Six years ago, Sumadiwirya was working in public relations and marketing and traveled to Shanghai for a brief job assignment. Everything was going as planned...

Pledge 1200

Two weeks ago I received my stimulus check, and in keeping with my Pledge 1200 commitment, I wanted to both share where I #SpendLikeItMatters and solicit your suggestions for additional businesses to support. Disclaimer: Any resemblance of the following to the story about the hungry caterpillar is purely coincidental. Mi La Cay - Chatting with...

Your Community Coffee Boost Stories of Kindness and Compassion

We are so inspired by the stories you've shared about the people you selected to receive a Community Coffee Boost care package. Read about the incredible members of our community and send a Community Coffee Boost to someone you appreciate. Best Friends and Latte Lovers “Jacs is...

Essentially AAPI – My InTENtional List

My InTENtional List includes a variety of AAPI-owned small businesses owned by people who brighten my day every time I see them. I hope that you will join me in celebrating and amplifying the AAPI-owned small businesses you love by creating and sharing your InTENtional List. At the end of each week, Intentionalist will publish an Essentially...

Essentially AAPI – Supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants all over the nation are struggling to keep their doors open. In spite of it all, Seattle’s restaurants are still saying, #WeGotThisSeattle. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, we’re highlighting ten AAPI-owned businesses who continue...

An In-TEN-tionalist Guide to Mother’s Day in Seattle

We believe that moms deserve a little extra something special this Mother’s Day. To help you out, we've put together an InTENtional List so that you can #SpendLikeItMatters and find the perfect gift for the mom or mother figure in your life: Idea #1: Order Takeout! (Or a gift card, for...

Essentially AAPI

It's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we're excited to celebrate the many ways that AAPI-owned businesses are an essential part of our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on all small businesses, but weeks before the virus took hold of the American economy, Chinatown communities and...

Alair: Shandon Graybeal

When Shandon Graybeal first moved to West Seattle, she didn’t know any of her neighbors. Her life changed in 2016 when she opened her specialty gift shop, Alair. The store has been a labor of love for Graybeal, but she knew it was her dream — and it had to be in West Seattle. The location is part of the magic of her store, she says. She lives...

Brighten someone’s day with a Community Coffee Boost!

Over the past month, our world and communities have fundamentally changed. Yet in the midst of crisis and economic hardship, the small business owners we know continue to reach out to support those around them. In addition to the Fulcrum Cafe in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood, Fulcrum Coffee...