Nest & Neighbors: Creative Grounds DC
Nest DC
At Nest DC, we’ve always believed home is about more than four walls. It’s about neighbors, gathering places, and the people who make DC feel like DC. In the past, we’ve highlighted some of those local gems through our Flock & Friends series. Now, we’re back with a new chapter: Nest & Neighbors — a spotlight on the businesses, organizations, and individuals shaping our city in small but mighty ways.
For our first feature, we didn’t have to look far. Just around the corner from our Bloomingdale office is Creative Grounds DC, a coffee shop and community arts hub founded by Asmara Sium. It’s part café, part gallery, part gathering space — and entirely about creativity, connection, and celebrating local artists. All of our favorite things! And lucky for us, Asmara shared more about the vision, the impact, and the joy behind Creative Grounds. Enjoy!
Q: Tell us a bit about Creative Grounds and the vision behind it.
A: "Creative Grounds DC is more than a coffee shop; it’s a gathering space built around art, community, and connection. I opened our doors in Ward 5 because I wanted to create a home for creativity that felt culturally rooted, accessible, and welcoming. Coffee is the entry point, but the real mission is to nurture joy, art, and togetherness in ways that reflect DC’s spirit."
Q: What’s one thing you’re especially proud of in your work so far?
A: "The youth exhibitions stand out. Working with students from
KIPP,
Social Justice School, and
Unique Learning Center has been some of the most meaningful work we’ve done. Watching them see their artwork on the walls—walking into the space and realizing they are worthy of a gallery moment—reminds me why Creative Grounds exists. And it goes without saying: every artist who has exhibited here has breathed life into our walls, filling every corner with meaning, for which I am eternally grateful."
Q: Do you have any exciting projects, events, or news coming up?
A: "Yes! We’re continuing our Behind the Mug storytelling series, spotlighting the people who make up our community. We also just launched the group exhibition Respectfully Not Waiting, and we’re hosting a film screening entitled
On Loneliness, in partnership with the
L'Arche Greater Washington, and we're in early conversations about deeper collaborations with wellness and arts organizations."
Q: What’s the best way neighbors can show up for you right now?
A: "The simplest way? Stop by. Bring a friend, host your event here, and grab your morning coffee from us instead of a chain. Share our events, tag us on social, and spread the word. Independent spaces survive because communities decide they matter."
Q: What does being part of the DC community mean to you?
A: "DC is extraordinary. It’s creative, it’s layered, it’s resilient. To be part of this community means contributing to that fabric, offering a place where people can gather, tell their stories, and feel at home. It’s about reciprocity: I pour into DC because DC pours into me."
Q: Best meal you’ve had in DC lately?
A: "This is tough! I love the ever evolving and increasing restaurant culture in DC. I eat most frequently at St. James and Cane because it's delicious, the staff is great, and it's Black-owned."
Q: Where can folks find you?
A: "Creative Grounds DC is located at 1822 North Capitol Street NW, Washington DC. Find us online at creativegroundsdc.com and on Instagram at
@creativegroundsdc."
Give this neighbor some love! 💛 Whether it’s a visit, a share, or a shoutout, Creative Grounds deserves it. DC needs us now more than ever and sticking together is how we make our city stronger.
Got a local spot you’d like to see in the spotlight next? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from our DC neighbors!
