Cindy Lucas-Stone Cindy Lucas-Stone

Tech, Photography, and Coffee

It all begins with an idea.

Why I’m Finally Building Blak Coffee

For years, I’ve dreamed of opening a coffee shop—not a big franchise or trendy concept, but something small, personal, and meaningful. A place with great coffee, thoughtful design, and a sense of warmth and intention behind every detail. I’ve talked about it for a long time. Now, I’m finally doing it.

My name is Cindy. I work in tech by day, and I’m a photographer at heart. Creativity has always been part of who I am, and over time, I’ve realized that Blak Coffee is more than a dream—it’s something I need to do for myself and my small family. It’s my way of building something real, lasting, and truly mine.

Blak Coffee will be a small-format coffee shop built out of a modern shipping container—efficient, minimalist, and designed for walkable neighborhoods in Atlanta. The menu will be simple and focused: high-quality coffee, locally sourced pastries, and a space that invites community and connection.

I’ve done the research. I’ve spoken to container builders, priced out the equipment and permitting, and created a realistic budget. I’ve started saving and taken on extra freelance work. I’m all in.

I’ve Launched a Fundraising Campaign

To bring Blak Coffee to life, I’ve launched a crowdfunding campaign on iFundWomen. My goal is to raise $85,000 to cover:

  • Custom build and permitting for the container

  • Equipment, signage, and setup

  • Coffee and pastry inventory

  • Licensing, insurance, and marketing

As a thank-you, I’m offering some great rewards: Blak Coffee mugs and T-shirts, sticker packs, limited-edition art prints, a curated gift box, and a spot on our digital Founders Wall—a permanent thank-you to those who supported this dream from the start.

Whether you’re local or far away, every dollar and every share helps.

Why This Matters

This is me finally making good on the thing I’ve always said I wanted to do. It’s the most personal project I’ve ever taken on—and it’s the first time I’ve asked for support to make it real. If you’ve ever felt that pull to build something of your own, you’ll understand why this means so much.

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