From Idea to Reality: Matthew Stevenson’s Blue Sky Idea
Terrance White | Managing Editor
When University of Dayton alumnus Matthew Stevenson (2018) first envisioned Blue Sky Coffee, he wasn’t just thinking about lattes and espresso shots. For him, the idea of a coffee shop was rooted in something deeper—a space where creativity and community could come together.
Inspired by his time in UD’s Institute of Applied Creativity Training accelerator program (IACT) at ArtStreet, where “blue sky ideas” were encouraged and creativity had no bounds, Stevenson saw an opportunity to bring that philosophy to life in a café. The main mission of IACT, as noted by Willie Morris IV, Associate Director of Professional Education for the IACT, was to train students in the creative skills that today’s job market demands while giving them a chance to apply these skills to real-world situations that can truly affect their lives and the lives of those around them. The skills included creative problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, initiative, empathy, resilience, oral communication, and intercultural fluency. Overall, the program trained these skills in just over 800 learners in and around the Dayton community from 2020 to 2023.
While IACT had a different focus back in 2017 or 2018, it laid the groundwork for Stevenson’s vision. There was intentionality in designing a space that enhanced and supported his goals with a memorable visual experience.
“The goal was always to build a space where people could come together and feel inspired,” Stevenson said. “I wanted creativity to flow freely—whether it’s picking up a marker to write on the walls or using some of our creative tools like Legos and brain teasers to spark ideas.” He added, “Coffee is one of those things that brings people together. Even if you don’t drink coffee, the idea of gathering over a cup of something warm is universal. I wanted to create a space where people could meet, study, collaborate, and create. It’s not just about selling coffee; it’s about creating a community.”
After graduating from UD with a degree in music, Stevenson worked as a music therapist and held various restaurant roles for nearly a decade. However, the dream of opening a coffee shop remained, largely inspired by the “blue sky” thinking he embraced during the IACT Accelerator program. “I’ve worked in cafes, bars, and restaurants, but I’d never run my own business before. It felt daunting at first, but that experience at ArtStreet gave me the confidence to think, ‘Why not?’ You just have to start somewhere,” he said.
Beyond its creative atmosphere, Blue Sky Coffee hosts various community events, including open mic nights, poetry readings, paint-and-sip classes, and crochet workshops. These events foster community and welcome people from all walks of life.
However, what truly defines Blue Sky Coffee is the experience it offers customers. “Seeing people smile after they get their coffee, seeing them collaborate and create in this space, that’s been the most rewarding part,” Stevenson said. “It’s not just a coffee shop; it’s a place where people can feel inspired.”
Looking ahead, Stevenson hopes to expand the shop’s offerings, host more community events, and possibly launch a mobile espresso bar for off-site gatherings. “We’ve got a lot of ideas for the future,” he said. “I want to continue growing our connection with the community and provide more opportunities for people to come together and share ideas.”
If you’re looking for a great spot to grab coffee, study, or collaborate, you can find Blue Sky Coffee at 3070 Presidential Drive in Fairborn, Ohio, 45324, located just minutes from campus. Plus, students can enjoy a 10% discount on their order by showing a valid student ID. Whether you’re craving a latte or simply need a quiet space to brainstorm, Blue Sky Coffee sets you up to find your Blue Sky Ideas.