This woman employs people with different abilities in her Makati café

Over twenty-five years ago, Rachel Harrison received devastating news: Julyan, her two-year-old son, was diagnosed with autism.

At that time, she was living in Switzerland, so it was easy to find wide open spaces to raise him.

Things changed, however, after she relocated to Singapore with her husband and three children.

The crowded and fast-paced city-state was not conducive to Julyan’s condition, so in 2010, Harrison started developing a 26ha estate in San Narciso, Zambales, where her son could live by the beach and keep himself busy growing vegetables.

The beginning of Zambawood

On that Zambales property now stands a hotel called Zambawood Boutique House and a cottage for surfers named Julyan’s Surf BnB. Harrison also runs a café called Julyan Coffee Spot in the town center of San Narcisco.

The common thread of these establishments is that they also serve as skills training venues for people with different abilities.

In 2019, Harrison added another feather to her social entrepreneur cap: a Julyan Coffee Spot in Makati City’s Poblacion district. “We branched out to Manila because we felt there are more beneficiaries here,” Harrison says.

Extending her advocacy

Julyan Coffee Spot initially had five baristas – four of them were deaf-mute, while one was deaf. Guests had to order in sign language, with instructions printed on a board.

However, a few months ago, Harrison had to close, downsize operations and find another space where rent is cheaper.

Julyan Coffee Spot will now share a space with Le Petit Café Fleur, a smaller version of chef Sau Del Rosario’s famous restaurant in Pampanga province.

Le Petit Café Fleur can seat up to 25 people and will open officially in January 2021, though it will be on trial run on the last week of December, together with Julyan Coffee Spot.

The acclaimed chef will be serving modern Filipino comfort, Harrison reveals. He is also setting up a panaderia (bakery). Both the café and the bakery are on the ground floor.

“During the pandemic, we downsized to two PWDs – one deaf and mute barista and another helper with autism – and we will slowly bring back the others as business opens up, as they desperately need help,” Harrison says.

A creative and wellness hub

To keep the business sustainable, Harrison has transformed the building’s second story into a creative and wellness hub called Zambawood Poblacion.

“It is where people can have the Zambawood experience – modern, rustic and surrounded by lots of plants and art. The space is multi-functional. It can be used for meetings, art exhibits, webinars, wine tastings and more during the day, and it becomes an event space in the evening,” Harrison says.

“We have been pivoting and finding ways to adopt, refocus and reposition our social enterprise to overcome these challenging times. Thankfully, people have been very supportive,” she says.

Harrison’s drive stems from her determination to see Julyan – who is now in his late 20s – thrive and be well-equipped to continue her vision.

“Our tagline for Zambawood is fun and purpose. Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or a purpose in life. For us, farming, cooking and art are fun activities. That’s the core of doing things that heal you,” Harrison says.

5893 Enriquez St, Poblacion, Makati City;  fb.com/julyancoffeespot