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Kashalata, Azerbaijan’s first inclusive café sets the path for a more inclusive labour market

Aytan Eylanova is the founder and chairwoman of Autism-Europe member “Together and Healthy” Public Union. Seven years ago, in 2017, Aytan also established Kashalata Café, a charming spot located in the city centre of Baku, Azerbaijan. Kashalata serves delicious treats while having a bigger mission: supporting the employment and social integration of young people with disabilities, including autistic people. We spoke to Aytan and 18-year-old Kashalata barista Aziz Gambarov, and learned more about the reasons why the cafe was created, what it means to feel supported and fully included in the workplace, and what the future holds for Kashalata.

Aytan, what inspired the creation of the Kashalata Café?

Aytan: “The story behind the name Kashalata Café is as unique as it is heartwarming. My son Hamza, who is now 21 and autistic, created the term during his early years in Turkey, where he got his early education. He blended the words “kashik” (spoon) and “salat” (salad) to refer to all dishes as “kashalata.” From the moment I first heard this charming word, I dreamed of opening a cafe named Kashalata, where the staff would be young people with autism.

In 2017, this vision took shape as a pilot project. We opened Kashalata Café at the Autism Center, which is run by our NGO, “Together and Healthy” Public Union. Over time, the cafe has flourished as a model of an inclusive workplace. Encouraged by its success, we decided to expand, and thanks to the valuable support of various public and private organizations—including the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, KOBIA, SOCAR, Pasha Holding, and Trendyol – the new cafe became a reality.”

What challenges did you face when starting a business focused on inclusivity and how did you overcome them?

Aytan: “Kashalata Café is a social enterprise. Our primary goal wasn’t just to create a business, but to address the social challenges faced by autistic individuals, a vulnerable group in society. The real challenge wasn’t in launching the business – thanks to the support of many public and private institutions familiar with our decade-long work – but rather in ensuring its long-term sustainability. This support also helped us navigate some bureaucratic barriers.

However, one of the biggest barriers to sustainability lies in the societal stereotypes that persist. Like many places, our society harbors stigmatizing views of autism and disability, with some believing that people with autism are incapable of working or delivering quality service. This misconception can discourage people from visiting our café. However, we are actively working to change this mindset, engaging in continuous educational efforts to show that, with the right support, individuals with autism can thrive in a professional environment. Kashalata Café is living proof of this: our autistic employees work seamlessly alongside their colleagues in an inclusive environment, performing just as effectively as anyone else. The café employs 20 staff members, including nine autistic people and one person with Down syndrome.

I am confident that, over time, Kashalata will help dismantle the doubts surrounding the capabilities of autistic people. It’s only a matter of time before these misconceptions are overcome.”

Aziz, how did you feel when you first started working at Kashalata Café, and how has your experience changed over time?

Aziz: “At first, working at Kashalata Café was hard for me. I had to stand for long hours and then go to the university. I study in my second year at the Azerbaijan University of Languages. The first two days were really difficult. Everything was new, and I wasn’t used to it. But now, after some weeks, I feel more comfortable. I find it interesting to learn about making coffee and how the cafe works. I feel like I am part of the team now. This makes me enjoy it more. It’s still early, but I can see myself getting better and more confident.”

What tasks or roles do you enjoy the most at Kashalata Café, and why?

Aziz: “I like making coffee the most. The process is calming. I measure the ingredients, pour the coffee, and make the milk foam right. Watching the steps come together feels good. I don’t just follow instructions. I like focusing on the small details to make the coffee better. The cafe is friendly, and I see people enjoy their drinks. It makes me feel proud and happy with my work.”

Aytan Eylanova is the founder and chairwoman of Autism-Europe member “Together and Healthy” Public Union

 

Aytan, how do you ensure that neurodiverse and neurotypical employees feel supported and integrated into the workplace?

Aytan: “At Kashalata, we implement a supported employment model to ensure that both neurodiverse and neurotypical employees can work effectively and feel a strong sense of belonging, fostering a truly inclusive environment. As part of this model, we have job coaches who play a crucial role. These highly skilled professionals possess a deep understanding of autism and the specific needs of individuals with autism. They create an environment that motivates and helps employees stay focused at work, while also educating other team members about autism and inclusive employment practices. We have three job coaches at our cafe, and their expertise ensures that employees from both groups collaborate closely, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all.”

And how has working at the café helped you develop new skills or increase your confidence in a professional setting, Aziz?

Aziz: “Working at Kashalata Café helped me learn new skills. I didn’t know I had them before. I learned to talk better with my co-workers and customers. At first, I felt nervous and unsure. But over time, I got more confident. Making coffee and learning the small details, like foam and milk, helped me feel like I was getting better. The job coaches helped me a lot too. Their support made me feel more comfortable and confident at work.”

Can you share a moment at the café when you felt especially proud of something you achieved or learned?

Aziz: “One day, I made a complicated coffee order all by myself. Before, I sometimes got confused, but this time I remembered everything. The customer said the coffee was great. I felt really proud. It showed me that I can learn and get better over time. I also felt proud because I didn’t get stressed like before. Moments like that help me see how much I’ve improved since I started working here.”

What are your future goals for Kashalata Café, Aytan, and how do you see the café evolving regarding its mission and impact on society?

Aytan: “I envision a bright and promising future for Kashalata Café, a vision reinforced by the success of its pre-pilot phase. As an NGO with deep expertise in autism, we have the institutional experience to back this belief. On a more personal level, as a mother of an autistic child, my intuition strongly affirms this future.

Our long-term goal is to expand the cafe into a network of themed services, such as Kashalata Pizzeria, Kashalata Bakery, and Kashalata Sweets. By diversifying our offerings, we aim to demonstrate that individuals with autism are capable of excelling in a wide range of fields, while also contributing to their employment opportunities. This expansion will not only showcase the capabilities of people with autism but will also help to increase their visibility in the public and service sectors, fostering greater confidence in their abilities. Ultimately, we aim to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive, understanding, and tolerant society.”

Lastly, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs or businesses looking to create inclusive workplaces for autistic people?

Aytan: “First and foremost, it’s crucial to truly believe in the values of inclusivity. The driving force behind our success at Kashalata Café has been our unwavering faith that people with autism, and individuals with disabilities in general, are just as capable as anyone else. We embraced the social model of disability, which recognizes that disability is not solely a personal limitation but is often exacerbated by societal and environmental barriers. This perspective enabled us to focus on removing obstacles, allowing us to foster an inclusive environment.

That shift in mindset is the philosophical foundation of our approach, but practically speaking, I would advise employers to adopt a supported employment model or similar alternative support services. A structured, purposeful approach is essential in creating a truly inclusive workplace that integrates and empowers all team members.

It’s also important to highlight the pragmatic benefits of employing individuals with autism. From a purely business perspective, many autistic employees can be more efficient than their neurotypical peers, thanks to their strong concentration, discipline, and sense of responsibility. These are qualities every employer looks for in their workforce.

Lastly, Kashalata, as Azerbaijan’s first and only inclusive cafe, brings hope to many families and helps foster greater belief in the potential of individuals with autism. By expanding our network, we aim to support the dreams of autistic youth and contribute to the formation of a more equal society. I am deeply grateful to everyone who shares in this mission of goodwill.”

And you, Aziz, what advice would you give to other young autistic people who are thinking about entering the workforce for the first time?

Aziz: “I would tell them not to be afraid and to try. At first, it might feel hard and scary, but you get used to it. It helps if there is a good team, like at Kashalata Café, where people support you. Focus on what you love, like for me, it’s making coffee. It helps you feel good about your work. Don’t worry if things aren’t perfect at first. Take it step by step, and you will get better. And it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.”