Local Voices: Soulfood Books Is a Secret Hideaway

If you live in or around the greater Seattle area, you've probably heard of my home away from home, , located near the heart of Redmond. What they are famous for is that secret hideaway place, with a soothing atmosphere, a Zen fountain, organic coffee and tea, and most importantly inspiring the arts as a whole.

They are all about community, and they work off of donations to sponsor events and programs for the budding young author, artist or musician to explore their unique flavors and talents. They are also a haven for local artisans of just about any talent. To name a few: honey, vinegars, oils of various varieties, journals, stones, crystals, art prints, Ghanan face masks, jewelry of an amazing variety (including Baltic amber), books, CDs, and they have an amazing art wall that changes every few weeks. When you come in for a delicious cup of organic coffee, espresso or tea, you are doing more than taking a drink of something local, you are supporting a small local business that thrives on being unique in not only what they sell, but also in what they provide to the community.

When you first walk into Soulfood Books, you are welcomed with the comforting scent of burning incense and the soothing lingering hints of sage. Walk a few more steps and you are welcomed with the smell of that lovely espresso that makes you want to curl up on that nice comfortable looking couch in the corner and find a wubby pillow and just take in the atmosphere. Life is so busy that we sometimes forget ourselves along the way. This is one of those places where you are transported into a realm of peaceful calm, some kicking music, some of the best artwork on display in Redmond, and of course, espresso bliss. If you’re ready for a unique environment and to get away from the hustle and bustle, I’ll see you there!

Lets talk about the Tribe! The staff is friendly and the owners are amazing people that are truly an inspiration to me. I couldn't ask for a better hidey hole, which is now, not really that much of a hidey hole, because now you know about it. Ah, well! Share the love, right? I want to let all of you know about the daily inspiration that comes from such a magical place. They are known for hearing about a cause and throwing their full support to help it mature into something greater and reach a wider audience. Global Breakthrough was no stranger when it came to having one of the summer’s highlighted events of Art and Music at Soulfood Books. Global Breakthrough is a foundation that helps to connect people and resources to bring innovative solutions to global causes affecting the social, spiritual, and economic conditions of peoples.

When you thought there couldn’t be more to Soulfood, they are also a pickup point for Tiny’s Organic Farm. Not too shabby, eh? You go in for yummy organic coffee and pick up your bag or box of farm fresh produce during the seasonal months. I like it!

A lot of people have asked me two questions in regards to Soulfood Books; the first is why do they have a membership program? If you’ve heard the same thing down the grapevine, then you are correct, yes they have a membership program, and here’s exactly why. They provide artists and artisans a place to go, they bring programs into the shop, they offer a stage for us to perform, an art wall for us to express our vision, and a microphone to share our dreams. And just a sidenote, if you can't attend an event but you want to watch the happenings at home, just load the SoulTribe's TV capabilities online!

All of these programs are donation- and membership-based to help support the future of these programs, like my beloved . Our teacher and mentor, Alexandra Be has been gracing us with the Djembe beats and enriching our minds, bodies and souls by giving us a new perspective on coming together in an ancient but modern way (us being the modern). They do have a donation box so you can support the event you are attending by slipping in what you can afford, or buy signing up for one of their different membership levels with benefits. Who doesn’t love benefits, or as I like to call them, perks!

The other question is, are they just another one of those new-age hippy witch shops? The answer is no! They embrace all religions, cultures, free thinkers et cetera, et cetera. I have never witnessed a more open and accepting place. It really doesn’t matter what path of life you’re currently on, they will always be there with open arms. Soulfood continues to grace us with amazing artists, poets, writers, dreamers and world changers. Thank you, Soulfood Books! The Tribe continues to inspire me in so many ways. I couldn’t imagine Redmond without you, nor would I want to.

Stay tuned! Through Jan. 13 the art wall will be housing works of creativity (including some of my very own artwork) in the name of Hopelink. All proceeds will be donated to Hopelink—thank you Soulfood Books for making another idea a reality!
Additional Links:
http://soulfoodbooks.com/portal/
http://clintmccunemusic.com/

Upcoming Events:

Jan. 4: with Rick and Jeff, 7 to 9 p.m.

Jan. 6: 8 to 10 p.m.

Jan. 6: Henna with Sarahenna, starts at 7 p.m.

Jan. 7: Community Open Mic, starts at 5 p.m.

Jan. 8: Women's Drum Circle, 5 to 7 p.m.

Jan. 13: Soulfood Ball, 8 to 10 p.m.

Jan. 15: Community Drum Circle 5 to 7 p.m.

Jan. 19: Poetry Open Mic 7 to 9 p.m.

Jan. 21: Art with Anastasia 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (One hour of art project fun; bring in a project or start a new one)