Help Me Open Harmon Grounds Café — A Community Living Room

Help Me Open Harmon Grounds Café — A Community Living Room campaign photo, 1 of 3Help Me Open Harmon Grounds Café — A Community Living Room campaign photo, 1 of 3

Wendy Harmon’s Romulus café needs final funds for vital equipment, permits, and inventory

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27 donors
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$2,111 raised of $20K

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Help Me Open Harmon Grounds Café — A Community Living Room

Help Me Open Harmon Grounds Café — A Community Living Room

0% complete

$2,111 raised of $20K

27 donations
Donation protected

Help Me Open Harmon Grounds Café — A Community Living Room Built From Resilience ☕

Hi, I’m Wendy Harmon. Harmon Grounds Café didn’t start with a business plan.

It started at my grandmother’s table.

Coffee was always present—along with laughter, stories and a feeling that no matter what you were going through, you belonged.
That’s the space I’ve spent years trying to recreate.

From Dream… to Setback… to Starting Over

In 2019, my family secured our first location—a 5-year lease that was meant to house:

  • My husband’s motorcycle shop
  • My hair studio
  • And Harmon Grounds Café

We were building something generational. It was even featured in the Detroit Free Press in 2021.

Then everything changed.

COVID delays hit. Construction stalled.
And before we could fully open…The city did not renew our lease.
What followed was legal battles, unexpected financial strain, and starting over from nothing.
The case was just dismissed—but the financial impact remains.

Though it all I Didn’t Quit

Instead, I pivoted. I enrolled in more coffee and entrepreneur training courses, I participated in COHORTS, completed my business plan and applied (received a few) for grant funding.

Then In 2022, I launched a mobile coffee cart—serving at:

  • The NFL Draft
  • State of the County
  • Black Tech Saturdays
  • Chamber Events
  • Private Events

I built a brand.
I built community.
I proved this concept works.

Now I Have a Second Chance — And I’m Right There

I’ve secured a new location in Romulus.

✔️ Certificate of Occupancy approved
✔️ Buildout in progress
✔️ Final health approval pending

This café WILL open.

But I’ve hit the final barrier:

I need $20,000 to finish and unlock the doors.

What Your Support Actually Does

Your donation goes toward:

  • Espresso machine + water system
  • Final electrical work
  • Health permits & inspections
  • Opening inventory

This is the last step. Not the beginning.

Why This Café Matters (Bigger Than Coffee)

Romulus doesn’t have a space like this. Harmon Grounds Café will be:
  • A place where people feel seen and safe
  • A hub for local artists and entrepreneurs
  • A welcoming stop for travelers near the airport
  • A “third place” where community is rebuilt

This will be the first African American woman-owned coffee shop in Romulus. And it will feel like home.

I’m Not Asking for Charity — I’m Building Something Real

I’ve already invested years, money, and everything I have into this.
Now I’m asking for people who believe in:
  • Community
  • Ownership
  • Legacy
To help me cross the finish line.

Here’s Exactly How You Can Help

I’m asking:
  • 20 people to give $50
  • 10 people to give $100
  • 5 people to step up as founding supporters

Or whatever you can give. Every dollar moves this forward.

Be Part of the Beginning.

Everyone who supports will:
  • Receive real-time progress updates
  • Be invited to the official soft opening
  • Be part of this story forever
Legacy in Every Cup. This café is built in honor of my grandmother—
who always made room for one more person at the table.
Now I’m building a table for an entire community.

Help me open the doors.

With Gratitude,

Wendy M. Harmon
Founder, Harmon Grounds Café – The Cozy Collective
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Organiser

Profile photo of Wendy Harmon
Wendy Harmon
Organiser
Romulus, MI
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