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When you think of working in a café, what usually comes to mind is the sounds of chatter and espresso machines buzzing
But, at Starbucks Signing Stores, it's a little bit more unique, reflecting inclusivity through thoughtful design and meaningful interactions.
The pace here feels slower, and that's because communication revolves around the partners who lead the way. Run by members of the Deaf community, Starbucks Signing Stores rely on order sheets or the Starbucks app for placing orders.
To get a closer look at what it's like to work in a Starbucks Signing Store, SAYS spoke with several Deaf baristas about their experiences.
"I had friends working here, and I always thought Starbucks employees looked great in their aprons," said Akmal, sharing how his journey began back in 2016
"Starbucks was opening a Signing Store at Bangsar Village II so I wanted to be part of it as a Deaf barista."
"My biggest challenge at the beginning was the language barrier; learning to make drinks was difficult at first too," Akmal shared.
Akmal says that with daily practice, he was able to improve.
Now, he is a shift supervisor and Coffee Master at Starbucks Signing Store Permas City, Johor, and says that he still learns new things every day.
For Aishah Syazwani Hisham, working at Starbucks became a journey of personal growth
"I used to feel shy and unsure about interacting with hearing customers, but now I'm much more confident," she shared.
Her daily routine is no different from any other Starbucks barista.
"I can handle all tasks, including helping customers choose drinks they'll enjoy," said Aishah.
Over time, she also found joy in engaging with customers by recommending drinks, new items, food with add-ons, drink modifiers, and even tumblers.
As for full-time Deaf barista Lim Jium Jye, his goal is to always make every customer feel welcome
"Some customers are surprised, and a few may feel frustrated when they need to write their orders," said Lim.
Instead of rushing the interaction, Lim takes the time to guide customers through the process, making sure they feel comfortable rather than embarrassed.
"Over time, I've noticed many customers have adapted well to the Deaf experience in our store," Lim said.
"Some of them come back again and already know what to do," he added.
At Starbucks Signing Stores, special moments and encounters abound
Aishah recalled a moment with one customer, whereby Aishah helped her register for a Starbucks account.
"She later sent a compliment email about my service," she explained.
Aishah said that this moment made her feel extremely proud and touched, highlighting how a small gesture from a customer can mean a lot to them.
She also noticed how customers often leave with a new perspective.
"Plenty of customers feel happy and excited to experience ordering from Deaf baristas, and that makes me happy too," she said.
All in all, these stories are made possible by Starbucks' initiative to help empower the Deaf community through their Signing Stores
The Signing Stores, together with past initiatives such as the Brewing Art For Good: The Bearista Project and Starbucks' ongoing collaborations with Silent Teddies Bakery, reflect the brand's commitment to inclusivity and empowering the Deaf community.
This commitment comes to life through collaborations with Deaf artists, creating meaningful spaces and opportunities where their creativity, voices, and stories can be seen, shared, and celebrated.
If you find yourself near a Starbucks Signing Store, try ordering your favourite drinks and maybe even sign "thank you" to the Deaf barista
Check out the nearest Starbucks Signing Store to you:
- Starbucks Signing Store Bangsar Village II, Kuala Lumpur
- Starbucks Signing Store Burma Road, Pulau Pinang
- Starbucks Signing Store Vivacity Megamall, Kuching, Sarawak
- Starbucks Signing Store Permas City, Masai, Johor
