FLINT, Mich. — Tucked into a former storefront on Flint’s west side, Creative Café is more than a coffee shop, it’s a space where locals can channel the creative energy brewing inside them — whether through painting, crochet, open mics, or simply gathering.
Creative Café owner, 21-year-old Crystal Pace, says she came up with the idea for her shop during a DECA competition in her junior year of high school, a program she described as similar to “Shark Tank.” Although she didn’t win, she developed a business plan and mock menu that laid the foundation for what would eventually become Creative Café.
The summer after graduation, a family friend offered her the opportunity to bring the idea to life by partnering on a vacant building. Pace took the lead on renovations, repairing the roof, painting every surface, and building everything from the stage and countertops to the bakery display and the wooden table in front of the counter.
Creative Cafe officially opened in early 2024, and Pace celebrated her first year in business on May 3, 2025.
“When I first opened, I only had a few art vendors. I didn’t really plan on events being such a big part of the café,” she said.
That changed after meeting Crystal Pepperdine from Flint Handmade, a local nonprofit that supports creative entrepreneurs and DIY culture. Together, they launched a Yarn Brigade event at the café, where local fiber artists gather to crochet, knit and craft.
“When I got [Flint Handmade] into the space, that’s when the closet formed,” she said, referring to the free arts and crafts closet. “That’s been huge for the café … It’s a big part of the community push.”
Pace’s upbringing helped inform her mission to create a community hub, having attended The Bridge Flint, a church located in the same plaza as her business.
“My big love and care for Flint came through the church next door. I grew up in that church. They have a big focus on recovery, so I’ve seen a lot of hurt people, and I’ve seen how much potential they have,” Pace said. “I see the brokenness of Flint, and I know how much it can grow, and how some compassion can really nurture that.”
The 3,500-square-foot space features a free arts and crafts supply closet, a community bookshelf, and a “pay it forward” board that allows patrons to pre-purchase food or drink for anyone who might need it. Pace also sells local art and wares.
Creative Café also hosts regular community events, including Halloween trunk-or-treats, holiday celebrations, Valentine’s Day events and now offers something nearly every Saturday.
One of the most distinctive features of the café is its openness. No purchase is required to participate in events, color, craft or simply relax.
“I just want people to come in and feel like they belong here. That they aren’t imposing on anybody by being here,” she said.
“The community likes the events. They like the free books and closet space,” she said. “Now, my goal is, how can I provide fun and love to the community of Flint on the west side of Flint that doesn’t have a lot of support? Everything is downtown, but people over here need love too.”
In addition to providing an avenue for free meals and fostering community connection, Pace highlights the importance of shopping local, she keeps prices low by cutting out the middle man by sourcing ingredients locally, allowing residents to see exactly where their money goes and who it supports.
In the future, renovations are planned to create a more efficient kitchen, allowing for an expanded menu and support for catering events. The project will also include a fully separate event space available for community use. Currently, that space can be booked for free if your event is open to the public at no charge, otherwise, a rental fee applies.
Creative Cafe is located in the Kroger plaza at 3318 Corunna Rd in Flint. For more information, visit their website or social media. For business inquiries, Pace can be reached at creative.cafe.flint@gmail.com.
Glad I stumbled across this.