Name: Sija Bojkovic
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Profession: Caffino Coffee Shop & Restaurant Owner; Hairdresser
Likes: Exploring, meeting new people, and watching good TV and film
Hometown: Born in Elmhurst, Sija is an Astoria, NY native!
Current City: New York, NY
YOU ARE THE CO-OWNER OF CAFFINO, AN AMAZING COFFEE SHOP IN ASTORIA, WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE UP-STAND MOVEMENT?
I support what UP-STAND stands for, and I admire Christine for her drive and dedication towards the cause. Her passion is very inspiring. When Christine approached me about purchasing and displaying priority seating signage for our coffee shop, I immediately said yes. By displaying these signs, I’m building awareness.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH UP-STAND SO FAR?
I posted the priority seating signs in our coffee shop, and I tell people I know who visit or own crowded spaces about the signs as well. I’m a social person, so I use that skill to spread the word to friends and clients. I want to do even more with UP-STAND, so I’m buying a Breastfeeding Welcome Here sign today!
AS A BUSINESS OWNER, WHAT ELSE COULD UP-STAND DO FOR OUR CAUSE?
UP-STAND meets all aspects of accessibility - women, children, disabilities, breastfeeding…! The movement has brought a lot of things to my attention I was unaware of. I’m thankful to become more knowledgeable through following the movement on social media and learning from it. I’m not a parent, so when I see posts about lactation lounges that I’ve never been inside of, it gives me access to see behind the scenes. I try to be as helpful as I can when a situation is present (take it from us, she’s the first to walk an elderly person across the street or hold a door!) but I wasn’t aware of the problems regarding accessibility and because of UP-STAND and their solutions, I am more consciously aware.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOUR INDUSTRY DO TO SUPPORT PREGNANT WOMEN AND FAMILIES?
It’s a choice to build awareness with posters like the ones UP-STAND produces and sells, it’s our responsibility to post them because we can have an impact. We can talk about these issues more, advocate for our customers and clients. Blast it out… the more, the better!
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO STAY INVOLVED WITH THE UP-STAND MOVEMENT?
I follow the movement, I learn about it and I become more knowledgeable each day. I can’t usually attend the community events, but I am doing what I can do to support the cause and be involved. Through word of mouth and posting signs, I’ll continue to spread the word.
Thank you so much, Sija! Visit Caffino in Astoria to see our signs in action and try their amazing offerings today, and follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Support our advocacy efforts to accommodate pregnant women and parents nationwide by displaying our signs at your establishment or start an initiative in your neighborhood for as little as $100.00.