Bikini Barista: A Modern Working Mom
Multimedia story by Stephanie Ellendt. Click here to view.
Text by Grace Yang.
“At least 65 bikini stands have been opened since 2008 in Seattle and its surrounding areas”
Seattle, Washington is famous for its obsession with coffee and higher-priced specialty lattes. Now, the rising popularity in using sex appeal to sell your daily macchiato or tall drip can be found in the bikini barista business. Finally: a service Starbucks is less likely to provide. For some bikini baristas, however, the matter is a matter of economics.
“At a bikini stand, you can make as much as $400 a day,” said an employee of Java Juggs in Everett, Washington. “So it’s a big difference.”
While there are those who to criticize bikini baristas for an unsavory profession, it is not as if the service is not appreciated. Regular customers stop by Java Juggs as part of their morning routine. Signs also decorate the windows to warn or lure potential patrons, trumpeting “sexy girls” and “sexy bikini baristas”. Despite the negative reputation, there are employees who work at these places in order to provide a better lifestyle for their own family.
“I want [my daughter] to be able to do what she wants to do. She wants to play sports, she wants to be a cheerleader, she wants to go to the movies. I want to be able to give her money. I don’t want to be one of those families that have their kids miss out on things because they’re broke.”
4 Responses to “Bikini Barista: A Modern Working Mom”
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wow, this is a really good article. if i had it my way i would make this article the cover story. major props to stephanie ellendt on putting together a great piece of work!
Why thank you my loyally biased reader! Your props are appreciated
Excellent job Stephanie!!
Wonderful job Stephanie! Your soundslide really stands out in just about every way…topic, photography, interview, nat sounds. It’s really great, congratulations.