“Everyone’s story matters” – Matchacita became Matcharia!

1 Min Read
Yazmine Vargas Root, owner of Matcharia, local matcha coffee shop, shared her story with us - and why she thinks hyperlocal storytelling matters.

When a local Matcha business received a cease and desist from a Chicago coffee shop, the story mattered here because it affected a Kalamazoo business and the people behind it. Support from PMN’s donors helped ensure local journalists had the time and space to explore what this moment meant beyond the headline.

Yazmine Vargas Root, owner of Macharia, shared why local coverage like this matters:

“I think having hyper-local storytelling is important because it reassures that everyone's voice matters. We get so swept up in all these major news stories that people can forget about the local life; the things, the people, the businesses around you. Everyone's story matters.”

She also reflected on how the reporting approach shaped the story:

“My favorite part of the story would be how the questions go deeper than ‘what happened?’ and ‘why did it make you sad?’ It goes into the background, plans, and mindset. The way the story is told makes it digestible and helps readers understand what we were going through.” 

Did you hear her story yet? Watch now, and consider making a donation to make more local storytelling like this happen:

Thumbnail of an Amplify Kalamazoo video called "Vamos a Matcharia" showing a young woman making a drink in a coffee shop. There is a play button on top, indicating a video.

With the generosity of people like you, we can sustain thoughtful, local reporting like this. So stories rooted in Greater Kalamazoo can be seen, heard, and understood. Donate now to support local storytelling!

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