BRIGHT CITY LIGHTS
STORY HARRISON WHITE Where did the idea to open CityLight come from? CityLight Coffee was established four years ago by a local non-profit organisation who has been helping at risk women and children for the last 13 years.
Why is what you do important?
I have been working for CityLight Coffee for two years and in those years, I have been given the opportunity to extend my coffee-making skills and experience in managing a coffee shop. The mission of CityLight is exactly that: providing opportunities for women to work in an ethical business. Providing these opportunities allows CityLight to make a difference to not just the individual, but the community as a whole. It provides me with the most rewarding experience I could ask for.
What has been the most rewarding and most challenging parts of working for CityLight?
The most rewarding part is being able to pro- vide the same opportunities that have been afforded to me by CityLight to other staff members who work here. Being able to comfort and care for anyone who walks through our doors and wants to make a change is truly a blessed ability. The most challenging part of working at CityLight is the daily activities that occur in the area. I enjoy nature and green spaces and Sukhumvit 4 can get overwhelming at times. Having to look through the front windows and see people struggling to make a living can affect a person on a certain level.
What does CityLight do to help women who want to change their lives?
We have an open door policy to anyone and everyone who wants to reach out to us to make a positive change for themselves. We provide the love and support through our outreach programmes to assist in this process.
What kind of skills do you offer the women?
A range of paid vocational training is given to our staff depending on the level of support that is required. We always aim to increase the skills and knowledge of our staff to assist them to reach their full potential.
Tell us about the sister organisation, NightLight Design?
It is another company that operates in the Sukhumvit area and has the same business ethics. However, instead of coffee, it’s a design and jewellery store. I am actually wearing my own jewellery designs now. This is another one of my passions and I even hope one day that I may be able to open my own store.
What are Friday nights like?
Most Friday nights we have a live music band. With no alcohol served, it provides a fun and safe place for everybody to let their hair down after a hard week of work. Sometimes even I work up the courage to get on stage and give it a go. That’s what this place is all about — empowering people to make the most of their lives and not letting anything hold them back.
How can people assist CityLight with its mission?
The best way is to support the work we do by drinking our coffee and eating our food. Providing CityLight with a strong customer base allows us to continue to employ our staff and increase the opportunities we give to the community.