House of Yes

The House of Yes is a nightclub and event location in Bushwick, Brooklyn. As the name already indicates, it is more than the classic club for dance and music. It is more of a place where people can completely express themselves no matter what age, sex or religion they are.

The “Way of Yes” started as a circus theatre and creative event space in 2008. Since its opening, the club has had to be rebuilt twice already because of fire accidents and damages. It has never, however, lost its passion for art and amazing event performances. House of Yes is not simply a location in Brooklyn. It is understood as a brand and deep behavior operating without any limitation – there are events in various states and cities i.e. New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, Tennessee or London.

To get more insights about the House of Yes and also the behavior in CSR and ethics, we met Justin Ahiyon, one of the owners and general manager at House of Yes. One cannot avoid seeing the location – the facade is decorated in intense colors and with welcoming signs. Arriving at the club everything was being moved and prepared for Friday night’s show “Seven Heavenly Sins”.

The philosophy at House of Yes is that “All ages, sexes, beliefs, religions, types and people are welcome and safe”. That means that everybody is treated with respect and as an individual. This behavior is regulated by a code of conduct for employees as well as customers called “The Way of Yes”. It includes rules about the manner on the dance floor just as the invitation to be yourself best and participate. This behavior, as well as constant trainings for the staff in soft skills like community building and open dialogue, is the reason why House of Yes is a non-violent place without rumbles or violent clashes. There is a complete acceptance of each other as individuals and humans.

We got a lot of insights in the corporate behavior and sustainability measures of House of Yes that show a developing acceptance for multi-genders, non violence and environmental awareness in our society. The House of Yes also indicates that big aims are built by starting with small things e.g. first, being a responsible and socially conscious yourself to affect public and other people – or how people at House of Yes how would say: Be your best self.