Lily & Peaches was established in order to provide LGBTQIA+ members of the community with a safe space. Many of the spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community involve alcohol, so we want to create a space that is more focused on the community aspect. This could in the form of hobby workshops, wellbeing groups or just a safe space for a drink and a chat.
The space will be originally based in Liverpool, originally opening 3 days a week but can be taken all round the UK for events such as Pride and student fairs. We believe that it is important to have a space other than bars from the community to go to for socialisation.
I think it is also important for people to feel actively involved in this project and it will be based around the customers’ interests. There will be a lot of focus on what the customers want in terms of social media interactions and understanding what they want from us.
What we'll deliver:
- Start marketing campaign
- Purchase pop up for Lily & Peaches
- Space for the community
Why it's a great idea:
One of the main benefits of this space is that it will be a place for the LGBTQIA+ community to feel safe to be themselves. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community myself, I understand the need for a space that isn't based around alcohol and nights out. I feel that it is important to create relationships with people similar to yourself.
Another benefit will be that it will give young people a place to go and socialise. It could mean less people out on the streets drinking as this space will be a place for people to meet up with friends and have fun while having a space to sit and communicate.
Finally, this space will be fully plant based and environmentally friendly, specifically focusing on recycling and reusable products which I know is important to the Liverpool region.
Steps to get it done:
- Start marketing the project.
- Develop more funding
- Purchase a pop up
- Design the pop up
- Purchase all the equipment
- Get volunteers
- Have opening day
- Start events and bringing more people in
- Go to events such as Pride and Christmas Markets
We would be extremely individual in our business model. There might be shops that do the similar model in terms of having cafes and shops simultaneously, but I know none in this area that cater towards the LGBTQIA+ community. We are unique in that we can travel where ever and our café will be moveable which means we can go to a range of locations to gain more customers.
We can work with a range of businesses that can help promote our space and vice versa.
