Nestled inside of Central Records is Skoden Coffee, who self describes themselves on Instagram as “Indigenous and queer af.”
“I want everybody, as soon as they walk into those doors to have the highest level of experience”, said Natasha John, the co-founder and co-owner of Skoden Coffee.
John first started Skoden Coffee on the Navajo Nation in Window Rock with a former business partner. Starting her own coffee shop had long since been a dream of John’s.
“I worked in finance (and) in tech for these really big brands, and (I) wanted to stray away from that and kind of be in a more decolonized space and state of mind.” John said.
Jo Manuelito first got their start with the business as a barista. Now as a co-owner of Skoden Coffee, they have acknowledged that their creative freedom in the space has always been the same.
“There wasn’t really a right or wrong way to do things.” Manuelito said about working within Skoden. “I thought that was really neat to do a new way, a new take on a coffee shop.
Manuelito collaborates with John to craft their menu and the unique offerings it withholds.
“I’ll come up with a concept. I’ll throw it at Jo, and Jo will just kind of work their magic in the kitchen,” said John.
Although the elements of the authenticity that Skoden withholds today was not prevalent. John acknowledged that earlier perspective differences between her and her previous business partner created a different culture to Skoden when it was in Window Rock.
It wasn’t until meeting her former romantic partner that John was able to help mold more character into what Skoden has become today–a pop-up coffee shop located in Central Records Thursday to Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Now we’re kind of known, and this is like, radical queer, indigenous space within Phoenix”, said John.
Skoden found a home in Uptown Phoenix before settling into its current prime location right off Roosevelt Row. Though Skoden’s home has changed many times, the sense of community and authenticity has remained the same.
More than its aesthetic, Skoden is known for its creative and flavorful drinks. One of their most recent creations, the Peach and Pecan Latte, stems not just from seasonal ability, but also Manuelito’s taste for peaches.
Skoden Coffee’s drinks exude the authenticity of the people behind them. At Skoden, the baristas prioritize crafting drinks that not only resonate with the customers, but them as well.
“We’re never too worried about how it will do in the shop: that’s never our first priority.” Manuelito said. “It’s always like, ‘do we like it?’”
All of Skoden’s drinks that require milk come standard with oat milk to better serve those in the Indigenous community who may be lactose intolerant as stated in a sign that sits next to their menu.
Skoden Coffee is approaching their one year anniversary in Central Records on July 22. With this, there are things in the works to keep the business growing.
Some of their goals are to build their own brick and mortar store in Phoenix, to find another location in Los Angeles and to return back to the reservation.
“I love the collaboration with Central Records. I love the opportunity. But I think as well too, like it is in the end, like we are also confined in some way,” John noted.
John also added that having more autonomy in their own location will allow Skoden to grow into new places and spaces.
“I would really love for Skoden Coffee to be in other places where it is needed,” John said.
Edited by Shi Bradley
