We had the good fortune of connecting with Alleah Webb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alleah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had always been really interested in helping people and the idea to open a community focused space came to me in college. I took a business class and we had to make a business plan so I chose coffee shop. That assignment helped me to realize that a coffee shop is the pinnacle community space that can create a welcoming environment for all. It was inspiring to me that coffee fuels community action and creativity and I wanted to be a part of that energy in my community.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Drifter Coffee started as a vintage camper that was converted into a coffee shop on wheels in 2015. We spent 4 summers traveling around Michigan meeting people and testing out different neighborhoods, hoping to find a space to settle one day. That day came in 2018 when I stumbled upon the perfect building in Ferndale, in the neighborhood I lived in. We decided that Ferndale was going to be the home of our brick and mortar coffee shop, bakery and events space. It has been 6 beautiful years and we are so lucky to call Ferndale our home.

Our focus is on creating a welcoming, safe space for all. Ferndale is a queer community so it was important that we honored that, and working with the queer community has helped us create a queer positive space. What makes us special is that we are truly a reflection of our community. Through working with local creators, artists, event coordinators, non profits, musicians and more, we have created a space that is always showcasing local ideas and talents. People know they can come to us to host their events, art and ideas. You never know what you are going to get when you come in, it might be a fundraiser for an important cause or even a drag show. That makes it fun and exciting and allows us to give back to our community.

Over the past 6 years we have given over $11,000 back to local and global causes and continue to advocate for social justice causes that are important to us and our community. So by coming to get a coffee, you not only support us but you allow us to support others too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ferndale is so fun! We have a really good brunch scene so I would recommend stopping at either Fly Trap or Toast to get your day started.
Then, obviously I would recommend stopping at Drifter for a coffee and to check out what fun events we have going on that week. It might be music, a workshop, yoga, art show, etc. Once you get that coffee I recommend walking a couple blocks to Harding park, a lovely local park with a path going all the way around it. By then you might be ready for a locally brewed beer and I would definitely recommend stopping at Urban Rest Brewing for a brew and to check out which local food truck they have that day. Its such a chill vibe. If you still have energy to walk around, Boston Tea Room is our local witchy crystal shop that is a few doors down from the brewery and is great vibes. A stop at Regeneration down the street is always a must, its a thrift/vintage store that never disappoints. If you are still feeling like hunting for treasures, Vogue Vintage is full of decor and home finds from every decade and never disappoints.
Two other must visit coffee shops are Red Hook and Quawhati Cafe. For lunch, I recommend Tall Trees cafe and while you are in that area, stop at the catfe, a spot where you can play with cats that are available for adoption. A few doors down is the new pottery studio, the hottest spot in town. Its called Still Life Studios and offers classes. Another fun find across the street from there is Tooth and Nail oddities and jewelry and you never know what creepy little trinkets you might find.
Another area to explore is the downtown 9 mile area. The Rust Belt Market is an indoor vendor market that showcases local artists and makers and has a bar inside too. Walking up and down 9 mile to browse stores is always a good idea too.
Ferndale has so much to offer and we love it here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my team. They are kind, patient, sweet and hard working. They are the backbone of our shop and their wellbeing means everything to me. I know that if I take good care of them, they will take good care of our customers. I am so lucky to have them.

Website: https://www.driftercoffee.com

Instagram: @driftercoffee

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