Former Barista & Hospitality Lead at Thesis HQ — Honest Reflections
Pros
The best part of working at Thesis was the people. I had the opportunity to meet some truly incredible individuals—colleagues who became close friends and made each day worthwhile. The community within the building is what gave it heart. Despite the challenges, the people made Thesis feel welcoming, vibrant, and full of potential.
Cons
I was the first (and likely the last) barista Thesis HQ has ever had. After 20 years in the coffee industry, this role marked the first time I was paid a livable wage, and I was genuinely excited to bring my experience and passion to a company that seemed eager to support hospitality. In the beginning, the experience was overwhelmingly positive. I felt supported by my direct manager and most coworkers. However, over time, I encountered significant challenges—primarily with the executive leadership team (ELT), especially the CEO and one of the co-owners. Despite repeated requests, I was never given proper shelving for essential café items like glassware, mugs, snacks, and beverages. Everything was kept on the floor in a storage room, creating a chaotic and inefficient work environment. The CEO’s strong aversion to adding shelving—reportedly to maintain a “minimalist” aesthetic—ultimately created obstacles to keeping the space clean and organized. Ironically, my termination was attributed to not being “tidy enough,” which felt deeply unfair given the lack of resources provided. As the DEI Affinity Group Leader for “Queery,” a safe space for LGBTQIA+ employees, I also experienced friction with leadership. I declined to publish an emotionally charged DEI post to social media at their request because I felt it was performative and not backed by real structural support. Soon after, I began to feel tension around my involvement with Queery. It was especially disheartening to witness one of the co-owners regularly hosting religious gatherings in the café—during work hours—where guests would at times express anti-LGBTQ+ views. On one occasion, I addressed this directly and professionally, which was acknowledged. But I continued to feel that affirming queer presence in the space was not welcomed in the same way. Another listed reason for my termination was “outbursts,” yet no concrete examples were ever provided. I believe my advocacy for creating an inclusive, safe environment and my refusal to stay silent about issues affecting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ team members may not have aligned with ELT’s preferences for a more “a-political” atmosphere. I was encouraged to perform a version of “fake joy” rather than genuine hospitality. Despite these challenges, I’m proud of the impact I made at Thesis. I welcomed hundreds of guests with warmth, intention, and care. I created meaningful connections and helped foster a sense of belonging in the space I managed. In the end, I stand by my values and the work I did—and that’s what matters most to me.
