Happy Black History Month! Here in northwest Ohio, we are home to incredible businesses, business owners from a wealth of backgrounds and community members who each have a unique story to share. Please enjoy this Q&A with Keith B. Jordan Sr., owner of The Onyx Café. If you haven’t yet stopped in to this comfortable and intimate coffee shop at 27 Broadway St., we invite you to do so. While you’re there, try a delicious signature bled, cappuccino or locally made pastry. We can promise you’ll be greeted with a warm smile and something delicious.
Your Name and Title:
Keith B. Jordan Sr.
Company Name:
The Onyx Cafè
Industry:
Coffee shop
Number of Employees:
Six
Website:
https://theonyxcafe.com/
Brief description of your business:
The Onyx Cafè is beautiful destination location in the heart of the warehouse district in downtown Toledo. Our signature coffee blend and locally made pastries allows our patrons to take a moment away from the daily grind and escape to a place inviting you to: Relax, Refresh and Relate.
Were you born/raised in the Toledo Region? If so, where? If not, where and why/when did you move to the area?
I am a native of Toledo, born in north Toledo.
When did you launch your first business, and how did you get to where you are today?
I launched my first business in 2007, which is still in operation. I attribute my path through my dedication to never give up, high aspiration and Godly beliefs. These key values allowed me to be where I am today.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
I’m grateful for Black history. It encourages people of color to embrace the success and the ambition of those that have come before me. However, I never seen it as a month to me, it’s every day. I was raised to believe that I can make history every day and everyone equally can be great.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you are not working?
When I am not working, I really appreciate learning new topics and discussing the relevance of the issue. I want to be the best version of myself, therefore I continue to self-examine and reinvent.
Have you had any special mentors or supporters that have helped guide your career or business?
I have. My mother (deceased) and my father are my inspirations. He’s my rock and my everything.
My friends Sidney and Stayce continue to balance me in my decision making.
I have to acknowledge the late James C. Caldwell and William T. Watson Sr., these men poured a lot into my life and I will forever be grateful for their love. I miss them so much.
Major accomplishment(s) that make(s) you proud?
My major accomplishment is being a parent first to three wonderful children and a community servant to all.
What are the benefits and struggles of owning a business in the Toledo Region?
The benefits are I’m able to be a vision of hope to other minority visionaries needing a little encouragement to go after their dreams! I am able to represent the progression of my city and the uplift of my community.
The struggles are necessary and allows me to enjoy the process. I don’t complain about the struggles, just like anyone else before me, you have to make it happen regardless of the circumstances.
Keith B. Jordan Sr.
Company Name:
The Onyx Cafè
Industry:
Coffee shop
Number of Employees:
Six
Website:
https://theonyxcafe.com/
Brief description of your business:
The Onyx Cafè is beautiful destination location in the heart of the warehouse district in downtown Toledo. Our signature coffee blend and locally made pastries allows our patrons to take a moment away from the daily grind and escape to a place inviting you to: Relax, Refresh and Relate.
Were you born/raised in the Toledo Region? If so, where? If not, where and why/when did you move to the area?
I am a native of Toledo, born in north Toledo.
When did you launch your first business, and how did you get to where you are today?
I launched my first business in 2007, which is still in operation. I attribute my path through my dedication to never give up, high aspiration and Godly beliefs. These key values allowed me to be where I am today.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
I’m grateful for Black history. It encourages people of color to embrace the success and the ambition of those that have come before me. However, I never seen it as a month to me, it’s every day. I was raised to believe that I can make history every day and everyone equally can be great.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you are not working?
When I am not working, I really appreciate learning new topics and discussing the relevance of the issue. I want to be the best version of myself, therefore I continue to self-examine and reinvent.
Have you had any special mentors or supporters that have helped guide your career or business?
I have. My mother (deceased) and my father are my inspirations. He’s my rock and my everything.
My friends Sidney and Stayce continue to balance me in my decision making.
I have to acknowledge the late James C. Caldwell and William T. Watson Sr., these men poured a lot into my life and I will forever be grateful for their love. I miss them so much.
Major accomplishment(s) that make(s) you proud?
My major accomplishment is being a parent first to three wonderful children and a community servant to all.
What are the benefits and struggles of owning a business in the Toledo Region?
The benefits are I’m able to be a vision of hope to other minority visionaries needing a little encouragement to go after their dreams! I am able to represent the progression of my city and the uplift of my community.
The struggles are necessary and allows me to enjoy the process. I don’t complain about the struggles, just like anyone else before me, you have to make it happen regardless of the circumstances.
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