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Bridge
Community Café
Where:
217 W Michigan Ave
Launched:
2021
Owner:
Sierra Lambert
The Inspiration
For Sierra Lambert, one of the most important lessons her global travels taught her was the power of coffee shops and other third spaces to foster community. Particularly in Greece, she saw how cafe culture created a purposeful sense of belonging that she hadn’t experienced in the U.S.
Inspired by her travels and her experiences working in the nonprofit sector, Lambert brought a spirit of inclusion and connection to Bridge Community Café, the downtown Ypsi coffee shop she founded in 2021.
The cafe’s mission, and its name, reflects the belief that, “For every border, there is also a bridge.” Bridge Community Café channels this spirit by offering a comfortable, inclusive space where everyone can find common ground and enjoy a shared sense of community.
Looking Forward
As a former nonprofit worker and an impact-focused entrepreneur, Lambert hopes her experience can inspire others to transform their ideas into viable business concepts. When she’s not working behind the counter at Bridge, Lambert can be found partnering with other startup founders to provide guidance and roadmaps for young founders.
And what’s one of the first things she tells aspiring entrepreneurs?
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are way more approachable than you think,” Lambert said. “Especially here in Ypsi.”
