Talking Community with Matryoshka Coffee
Image from Matryoshka’s website/IG @matryoshkacoffee
If you were to ask any therapist what they believe is the most important external factor for maintaining a person’s overall well-being, many will say their community. As a therapist, I was taught that having community and a sense of belonging was vital, not only as a protective factor for mental health difficulties, but also as something necessary to have before you can reach a place of truly respecting and knowing yourself (something us therapists would call self-actualization).
When we find people or groups that are welcoming and safe, it fosters a strong sense of belonging and connection. And so, we search for these places, and if we are lucky enough, we discover ones like Matryoshka Coffee.
I first learned about Matryoshka the way most millennials learn about cool new places: a friend sent me an Instagram post. The pictures alone depicted a colorful space and described making “upscale” coffee approachable with the addition of “fun” (their code for adding sparkles and sprinkles to your drink). My first visit did not disappoint. The space was welcoming and bright, as were the people behind the counter. The coffee was phenomenal, and I was soon going as often as I could. I regularly chatted with Matryoshka’s owner, Abbey Chiavario, as well as fellow fun coffee enthusiasts. Every time I enter, I am greeted with a smile and a delicious pick-me-up.
Abbey entertained some questions from me to share with our Nashville community during Pride Month, a special time of year that allows for connection and belonging.
Aside from coffee just being amazing, what led you to creating Matryoshka?
I honestly was given an opportunity that I felt like I couldn't pass up. My partner, Jake, owns a specialty coffee technician business and we purchased a small unit in a condo complex to serve as his business's home base. It was during the pandemic, and my job as a nanny was coming to an end, and we were out on a walk when I suggested opening a tiny coffee shop. We both figured why not?! And here we are!
What does inclusivity mean to you and the shop?
Inclusivity, to me, means ensuring that everyone feels like they're walking into their best friend's living room in whatever form they feel most comfortable. We're a big LGBTQIA+ hang spot and dedicated safe space, and we prioritize the needs for community in that way, but that doesn't mean we're exclusive of non-queer folks and allies. We want everyone who needs a place to belong to feel like they belong here. We do this in a myriad of ways, but the overarching theme is reaching out to our customers as a comfort and a friend.
Inclusivity, to me, means ensuring that everyone feels like they're walking into their best friend's living room in whatever form they feel most comfortable.
How do you feel like a communal space like Matryoshka impacts the city of Nashville?
I'm very, very grateful to the city of Nashville for welcoming us with open arms. Everyone always says Nashville is a lot like a big small town, and the folks who live here really rally for small businesses. I think Matryoshka isn't necessarily unique in the way that we have our own little ecosystem here with its own culture and people, but I hope that we contribute to the city's sense of being a tight-knit community. I hope we contribute to that by paving the way for connecting with our customers in a way that goes beyond the transactional customer/server relationship.
What has been the most meaningful feedback you’ve received about the shop?
Honestly, and while it may sound odd, it feels wonderful to have created a space where people feel safe enough to cry. We have customers who come in here on their worst days because they know we're able to offer a place that is intimate and comfortable. We even have little stickers that we give out if you shed a tear or two in here. A little badge for a secret club of sorts :)
What are some words of advice for anyone looking to create a business modeled around inclusivity and community?
My biggest piece of advice is that you can't force the formation of a community; community is something that forms around you. I think this is applicable in both personal and business spaces. If you create a space with a specific community in mind, hopefully one you know well and are a part of, you'll naturally foster that space. And being kind and asking questions goes a long way.
“…you can't force the formation of a community; community is something that forms around you.”
Unlike a lot of businesses, especially in the south, you have been very outspoken about social justice through your merch and social media - was this something you always set out to do?
Yes! Traditionally, I've been given business advice to keep my personal views separate from my public-facing business, and I think that way of life isn't for me. Part of what sets Matryoshka apart is that we want our customers to know where we stand, but to know that we're always open to conversation and learning and it's coming from a firm, but not hostile place. I grew up in the Midwest outside of Chicago, so being outspoken is a part of the culture, so that helps, too. Generally, I navigate my personal politics by what shows the most compassionate, unconditional love and acceptance. I figure if I lose customers by doing what I think shows the most compassion to humans and our environment, then I don't need those customers anyway.
It’s very apparent just how much of yourself you’ve put into Matryoshka - how have you prioritized mental health for yourself and staff?
Our limited schedule (open 5 days/week, open for 6 hours/day) helps immensely with work/life balance. I never work more than 40 hours/week, and often less. I do not want mine and my employees' lives to be impacted by work, and vice-versa. I take on a lot of the bigger responsibilities around the shop so my staff can come in and focus on their main tasks: communication with customers and running the bar.
I also try to lead by example by ensuring my staff knows that their needs come first. If you need a day off, we'll figure it out and offer sick days for full-time employees. We also offer benefits like PTO for everyone, semi-regular bonuses, work shoe stipends for full-time employees, and higher wages for coffee shops ($13.50-15/hour plus tips). Being compensated fairly helps with mental health by helping to keep stresses outside of work to a minimum, and we are always working to pay more and do more for our staff.
While Matryoshka is only in their second year of business, Abbey and co. have already created a huge impact on the community. For example, they have organized their 2nd Pride Coffee Crawl with other local coffee shops around town, taking place through June 25th. Matryoshka exemplifies the kind of space that invites, celebrates, and creates belonging and connection, the kind of space that is vital for us as social beings to have.
Come for the delicious coffee, stay for the incredible community!