Diesel Was My First Home
I have always had a deep fondness for cafes because at their root they exist to cultivate community.
In 2007, I had just graduated from college in upstate NY, was moving to Boston where my sister lived, and looking to work at a cafe. When visiting my sister in Boston, I went to Diesel a few times and had my heart set on working there due to its cool and queer-friendly vibe. After applying, I was offered a phone interview because I still living in NY at the time (I was their first phone interview hire!) and I was so nervous. When I received the phone call offering me a position, I actually ended up in a minor car crash due to my excitement! Oops.
Throughout my nine years at Diesel, I felt such a sense of joy, community and acceptance. It was a job of course, but it didn’t really feel like a job because I was having so much fun. I would work all day and then continue to hang out with my co-workers after our shifts ended. It was an incredibly special time in my life.
It was a job of course, but it didn’t really feel like a job because I was having so much fun. I would work all day and then continue to hang out with my co-workers after our shifts ended.
I eventually began to work at an investment bank during the week, but I would still work at Diesel on the weekends because I loved it so much. Diesel was a part of me. After working at the investment bank for nearly a year, Diesel approached me saying they were looking for someone to help with their management/finances. I jumped at the opportunity and would go on to work in this position for eight years!
I developed a very close bond with the owners, Tucker and Jen, and with the whole team. I remember spending hours chatting with Jen about Diesel projects and our love lives. It was always a good time. Later I would become very close with her adorable son Yoshi. I also have fond memories of talking to Tucker in the office when we were working late until around 8pm or 9pm. I could have easily left at 5pm, but enjoyed the work and community so I never had a real urge to leave. Tucker has a huge heart and it is shown through her role as a business owner, partner, and parent. I really look up to her. Some of my fondest memories at Diesel are Sunday night beers that she organized or awaiting my drawing she would create when it was my Diesel or personal birthday. Similar to Tucker, I don’t have a huge passion for coffee or food, but the sense of community that Diesel created and still creates for its employees and customers is what made me enjoy working there. It has been inspiring to see how Diesel has grown over the years and to have been a part of it. Today my career focus is to try and create community just like Diesel has done for the past 20 years.
I had a difficult upbringing and never felt a true sense of family and community until I began my journey with Diesel. I learned that family can come in all shapes and sizes and am forever grateful. To this day, some of my closest friends and relationships have come from my time at Diesel.
Thank you Diesel for community, mentorship, and fun times. Happy 20th!
Diesel Love Stories 