June 18: Domaci

By: Lucy Zhou

Domaci is a furniture store owned by Warren Clark and his husband Derrick. We really wanted to get their perspective and experience starting their business in the South Side, especially as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We had talked to female entrepreneurs and business owners of color, but we were lacking representation from people of different sexual orientations, which we felt was crucial to obtaining all voices for our project. The Clarks personally didn’t run into any challenges as a result of their sexual orientation when they were starting Domaci, but they of course had difficulties typical for entrepreneurs running their own businesses.

Domaci is an inclusive business within an inclusive community. The owners often collaborate with Lit and Color Me Mine for events.

To celebrate inclusivity and make the business more inclusive, events are held with people of different ethnicities, ages, gender, religion, etc. Domaci participates in First Friday, which is held on the first friday of every month in the South Side to bring the community together through arts, music and restaurants. Warren said the community itself is inclusive, which allows them to host drag shows. On June 23, a drag queen story time event was held in collaboration with Color Me Mine and Lit. Lit provided coffee and treats, and after the event, Color Me Mine offered painting for those who attended. This specific event did produce some negative comments, which Warren said was usually ignored. However, he said community members stepped up to help them dispel the negativity and unkind comments. This was a true portrayal of inclusivity within the Bethlehem community because everyone supported and helped each other, uniting under a common front to challenge any discrimination.

Warren said he thinks it’s important for people to be open and willing to help. He does recognize that he and his husband are white males, and they have some privilege. As owners of Domaci, they are open about their sexual orientation, and their straight allies are, too. The transparency and support is necessary to create relationships and partnerships, not just in the South Side or Lehigh Valley, but also in the world.

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