Brisbane's Bleeding Hearts find a new home

Sporting the motto, “using our powers for good, not evil”, Bleeding Heart is a coffee bar, internet hub and retail outlet with a conscience and a difference.

A joint initiative of Speak Out limited (SpeakOut) and Footsteps Enterprises, the venue and outlet quietly commenced trading with a soft launch on Monday 19th May.

Generally used as a derogatory term, Bleeding Heart describes a person who is considered excessively sympathetic toward those who are underprivileged or exploited.

Bleeding Heart co-founder and Director of Footsteps Enterprises, Alex McDonald, stated on announcing the soft launch of the outlet that it was time to reclaim the term.

“We don’t believe you can be excessively sympathetic to the underprivileged or exploited, particularly in an age where a just and sustainable world is so vitally important,” Mr. McDonald said.

“We’re claiming the term back. Compassion is an exceptional quality and can change the world for the better.”

Bleeding Heart’s other co-founder, SpeakOut CEO Aleem Ali, also acknowledged that social change movements and activism often suffered from negative media attention and were frequently reacting to issues rather than actively and positively addressing them.

“Bleeding Heart is a place and a movement that promotes a new activism. An activism that uses peaceful and innovative methods of encouraging social and economic inclusion, action, entrepreneurship and change.” Mr. Ali said.

“Whilst we are trying to address serious issues in a sustainable and positive manner, we also think it’s important to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously.”

All Bleeding Heart products are distinct, ethical, of exceptional quality, and seek to encourage and communicate a better world.

Products include:

• Fair-trade and organic coffee, freshly roasted in West End by Blackstar
• A range of selected organic and fair-trade tea
• Locally grown organic and wholefood treats sourced from community or social enterprises such as Food Connect

Currently the retail outlet stocks and supports art and wares direct from Indigenous communities, particularly in Central Australia.

However, the intention is to expand this range to stock various products from micro, community and social enterprises throughout Australia and the Pacific region. Including, handcrafted bags, designer t-shirts and designer prints.

Bleeding Heart is located in the iconic, heritage listed School of Arts building, 166 Ann Street, Brisbane.