Celebrating the Deaf community across Starbucks Asia
Starbucks® Signing Stores across Asia champion inclusion, amplify the voices of the Deaf and hard of hearing community, and create spaces where everyone feels welcome.
In recognition of International Week of Deaf People, we celebrate the stories of Starbucks partners (employees) and Starbucks® Signing Stores across Asia that champion inclusion, amplify the voices of the Deaf and hard of hearing community, and create spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Starbucks Malaysia
In 2016, Starbucks Malaysia opened its first Signing Store in Kuala Lumpur, marking a milestone in its commitment to inclusion and creating meaningful employment opportunities for Deaf partners. This pioneering effort inspired the launch of more than 26 Signing Stores globally, and the number continues to grow.
What began with one Deaf partner supporting a single store has grown into a vibrant network of four Signing Stores in Malaysia, across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sarawak and Johor.
“Coffee offers an experience that can be shared.”
Hamimi, shift supervisor, Burma Road Signing Store
Hamimi – Burma Road Signing Store, Penang
At the Signing Store on Burma Road, the scent of freshly brewed coffee blends with something deeper—connection, inclusion, and purpose. For Hamimi, a seven-year Starbucks partner and shift supervisor, this store is more than a workplace. It’s a space where she’s grown, thrived, and helped others feel seen.
“Starbucks is like a family,” she shares. “It’s a place that constantly supports me.”
Her love for coffee is just as strong. Whether guiding customers through tastings or sharing the story behind a blend, Hamimi finds joy in creating moments of discovery. “Coffee offers an experience that can be shared,” she says. “And every day, I learn something new.”
Working as a Deaf partner has allowed Hamimi to challenge perceptions and inspire others. “Starbucks gave me a platform to share my talents, build confidence, and show that everyone has something valuable to contribute.”
Starbucks China
In 2019, Starbucks China opened its first Signing Store in Guangzhou, dedicated to creating career opportunities for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Today, there are 20 Signing Stores across 16 cities, each serving as a hub for accessibility and inclusion.
“True communication lies not in words, but in the connection of hearts.”
Cynthia, barista, Starbucks Canton Tower
Cynthia – Starbucks Canton Tower, Guangzhou
Cynthia’s Starbucks journey began with a Matcha Frappuccino® blended beverage during her university days, a quiet moment that sparked a lasting connection. Years later, she found her second home at Starbucks Canton Tower.
Her path to Starbucks was anything but conventional. From graphic design and entrepreneurship to working on film sets, Cynthia’s adventurous spirit led her through many experiences. But Starbucks offered something unique: a space where her creativity, curiosity, and identity as a Deaf partner could flourish.
One of her most memorable moments was organizing a coffee workshop at China’s first Signing Store in Guangzhou. True communication lies not in words,” Cynthia reflects, “but in the connection of hearts.” That day, she connected with Deaf friends from Russia and Japan—sharing stories, laughter, and coffee in a joyful, inclusive atmosphere.
Her creativity also shines in her coffee craft. Encouraged by her manager, Cynthia entered the Starbucks China Partner Creative Beverage Competition with her own creation: the Quiet Macchiato. The experience was rewarding and empowered her. “Coffee connects people,” she says. “That’s my greatest achievement.”
Nearly five years into her journey, Cynthia continues to grow and inspire. “It doesn’t matter if my ears are quiet; my heart is full,” she says. Her message is simple: “Don’t ask how Deaf people work without hearing. Ask how you can communicate better. Ask if they’re tired, or if they want to try a new coffee together. Coffee connects us all.”
Starbucks Japan
Starbucks Japan opened its first Signing Store in Tokyo in 2020, committed to celebrating human connection through sign language.
“I feel a connection to the journey of coffee—from farmers to baristas to customers. It’s a journey of care.”
Ryotaro, assistant store manager, Kunitachi City Signing Store
Ryotaro – Kunitachi City Signing Store, Tokyo
In 2015, Ryotaro stood behind the counter of a Starbucks in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, not just as a barista—but as a pioneer. At a time when Deaf individuals were rarely seen in customer-facing roles, Ryotaro chose a path that defied expectations.
“I was told Deaf people often have many opportunities to say, ‘thank you,’ but fewer chances to be spoken to,” he shares. “At Starbucks, I found a place where gratitude flows both ways.”
That truth became the heartbeat of his journey. From barista to shift supervisor, and now assistant store manager at the Signing Store in Kunitachi City, Tokyo, Ryotaro has been steadily building toward his dream of becoming a Deaf store manager.
His love for coffee runs deep—literally. For five years, he nurtured a coffee tree that now yields enough beans equivalent to two bags of Starbucks coffee. “I feel a connection to the journey of coffee—from farmers to baristas to customers. It’s a journey of care.”
But the real magic, he says, is in the words: “Thank you” or “This coffee is delicious!” from customers. These moments remind him that coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a bridge between people.
“Facing each person, engaging in dialogue, and valuing human relationships—those are the moments I treasure most.”
Starbucks Korea
In 2020, Starbucks Korea opened its first store focused on inclusive design, to expand career opportunities for people with disabilities. The store was subsequently dedicated as a Community Store, to further support local nonprofit organizations to advocate for inclusion and awareness of people with disabilities, and support for local artists from the disability community.
“I’ll keep creating warm moments for everyone who walks through our doors.”
Bryan, shift supervisor, Seoul National University Hospital Community Store
Bryan – Seoul National University Hospital Community Store, Seoul
Inside Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Starbucks Korea’s third Community Store is more than a coffee shop—it’s a space of inclusion, connection, and possibility. As the only store in Korea dedicated to supporting and celebrating people with disabilities, it’s also where Bryan, a Deaf partner and shift supervisor, has been creating meaningful moments for over 12 years.
“Starbucks was never just a place to drink coffee,” Bryan shares. “It’s a space where I communicate with partners, collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and grow together. The experiences I’ve gained from meeting different customers and partners every day have made me stronger.”
One of his most memorable moments came when a hearing customer asked how to sign “thank you.” Bryan showed them the gesture, and they used it immediately. “It was a small moment,” he recalls, “but it was filled with genuine respect and care—and it left a lasting impression on me.”
“Being Deaf isn’t a limitation,” Bryan says. “It’s a unique experience that opens new possibilities.”
Bryan hopes his journey inspires others to pursue their dreams in the coffee industry. He envisions more sign language-friendly stores where customers and partners can communicate naturally—beyond differences in language or hearing.
“I’ll keep creating warm moments for everyone who walks through our doors,” Bryan says. “That’s what Starbucks is all about.”
