From Childhood Vision to Community Haven

For Ross Wilkins, the spark behind Queer Plants Cafe came early.

“At the age of eleven, I was given a striking vision—transported to a place in my mind imbued with an otherworldly calm. This place flowed with pure water and was bathed in blue and green light. I felt compelled to bring it to life somehow.”

Years later, after traveling the world and seeking refuge in romantic cafés, Ross crossed paths with his now-partner, Ernest Koh, a talented chef. Together, they began to imagine a place that blended Ross’s passion for plants with Ernest’s love of food—a dream that started as a scribble in a notebook and eventually bloomed into Queer Plants Cafe.

“As survivors of queer abuse and hatred, we knew this place had to be a haven for others like us, a chance to make a small difference in a wicked world.”

The Road to Opening

Turning that dream into a real, open-for-business café was anything but simple. Financial uncertainty loomed large.

“How were two educated, hardworking adults—barely able to keep up with student loans and the ever-rising cost of living—supposed to finance our dream café?”

Support came through MESO (Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon), and Ross also participated in the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program, which allowed him to build the business while collecting unemployment. The café opened just five weeks after they signed their lease—an incredible milestone, made possible by community support and persistence.

Additional help came from NAYA (Native American Youth Association) and Prosper Portland, which funded a fresh coat of paint for the café’s exterior. A now-retired program, Here for Portland, provided vital wage support for their first employees.

Support from the PCC SBDC

Once Queer Plants Cafe opened its doors, Ross and Ernest turned to the Portland Community College Small Business Development Center for expert guidance.

“My PCC SBDC advisor, Kayla Banda, has a strong background in marketing and finance, two aspects of business I struggle with. It’s been incredibly comforting to have someone to bounce questions off of—someone who genuinely has my best interests at heart.”

From pricing strategies to big-picture planning, PCC SBDC advising has become a regular and reliable resource.

“Working with a competent business advisor was always part of the game plan. Ernest and I shudder to think what fate might have befallen Queer Plants Cafe without the guidance of the PCC SBDC.”

Milestones and Momentum

In an industry known for razor-thin margins and frequent closures, Queer Plants Cafe hit a rare and celebratory milestone:

“We proudly turned a modest profit in our very first year—a rare milestone in the food and beverage industry…”

This success, earned through creativity, resilience, and teamwork, sets the stage for future growth. Ross and Ernest envision Queer Plants Cafe expanding to other cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—spreading joy, safe space, and great coffee along the way.

Words of Wisdom

Ross offers this encouragement to other aspiring entrepreneurs:

“Things change, people change, politics change, tastes and fads ebb and flow. Having an advisor can mean staying ahead of challenges and keeping your business on track. ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’”

Ready to Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Journey with the PCC SBDC?

Are you ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey or seeking support to take your small business to new heights? The PCC SBDC is here to help. Reach out to us and let your journey begin. Ross and Ernest's story is just one example of the countless success stories our clients have created. Embrace the joy of entrepreneurship and create your unique path to success!