Planting a Seed

We applied for the space and were pleasantly surprised when we were chosen. Daydreaming turned out to be a segue into a reality that we tirelessly worked to write into existence. The intense local and global changes happening around us felt difficult but we knew it was not the end. As we reflected on one of our favorite books, Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, we were reminded that "the only lasting truth is Change."

And so there we were- we planted the seeds for a community space that could offer events and products that affirm the members of our diverse neighborhood in the Mckinley Hill area and beyond. And with many hands and offerings and waterings, we rose to the occasion and are continuing to grow. By holding fundraisers, collecting books, selling at markets and online, we raised enough funds to renovate our current location and officially opened our doors on August 21st, 2021. 

We are family-owned, community-owned, lgbtq-owned, Black-owned, woman-owned. Our family has Southern roots and through various migrations, we ended up in the Pacific Northwest. Parable is co-owned by three family members who are cousins and sisters. 

Parable was formed based on a knowing - a knowing that something else is possible. In the midst of racial and health pandemics - opening a business seemed risky but also imaginative timing. The more we thought about it, the more we remembered all of the exploratory solutions that arose during times that felt chaotic and unjust.

In the fall of 2020, a retail space in our neighborhood opened up. We passed by the windows of the empty space day after day and allowed ourselves to dream. We envisioned neighborhood youth popping in and out for a story circle. We could see people singing, dancing, and sharing stories over a warm cup of tea. We imagined elders resting in a big comfy chair with an old book.

  • Co-Owner

    Deatria Williams (she /her affectionally known as Dee Dee) is a customer service manager for one of the world’s leading diamond jewelers. In addition to excelling in the customer service industry, Dee Dee has also followed her passion of working with children, event planning and interior decorating. Her favorite past time is being a mother to 2 beautiful daughters. She is also blessed to be Yaya (grandmother) to her 2 grandsons who both made their debut in March and October, respectively of 2020. She enjoys making old and forgotten furniture beautiful again.

  • Co-Owner

    Le’Ecia Farmer (she / they) is a designer and artist who studied textiles, film, and visual art in Olympia, WA. Le'Ecia is currently pursuing a technical degree in Apparel Design. A clothing brand owner for several years- Le'Ecia has also worked for various start-ups, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits aiding with product development, management, and design. Interests include birthwork, traditional / folk art and healing, and pole dancing. Le'Ecia is also a mama who is striving to raise a free child.

  • Co-Owner

    LaKecia Farmer (she / they) is a community organizer and policy analyst who studied political economy at Evergreen State College- Tacoma. LaKecia worked on several different policies and community-oriented campaigns including voter registration/education, community safety, transportation and climate justice. LaKecia loves spending time in nature, making dance videos, watching rugby, and being an aunt and mother.