10/28/2026
🪟 A WINDOW INTO OUR HISTORY — AND A VERY PERSONAL CONNECTION 🤎
Every building has a story. Some are written in its walls, while others live in the hands of the people who once worked within them.
Long before First Shift Café began taking shape, this very space was home to Architectural Elements, a Black-owned woodworking business operated by Hymeld Gaignard.
Hymeld was a craftsman and entrepreneur whose woodworking business was part of Orange’s rich history of manufacturing, creativity, and hard work.
But what makes this story even more special to us is a connection we recently learned about.
Hymeld actually picked up a few woodworking tips from our grandfather, Joseph Hartjens III! 🤎
Our grandfather was a talented carpenter who spent his career working at Rodney Hunt here in Orange. Knowing that he and Hymeld shared a connection through their love of woodworking makes this story feel like it’s come full circle.
And now, decades later, here we are, opening a café in the very same space where Hymeld once operated his business.
Even more special, we have been generously gifted four window frames from Architectural Elements, pieces of craftsmanship that will now have a new home at First Shift Café.
These aren’t just window frames to us. They’re reminders of the people, the craftsmanship, the friendships, and the businesses that helped shape this community.
When we started this adventure, we knew we were bringing new life to an old factory. What we didn’t realize was just how deeply its history would connect to our own family.
Different generations. Different businesses. The same space. And a connection that has come full circle. 🤎
A heartfelt thank-you to the Gaignard family for sharing these special pieces of history with us. We are honored to give them a place in the next chapter of this incredible building.
Because at First Shift, we’re not just creating something new. We’re celebrating everything that came before us.
