What It Looks Like to Align My Values with Coffee Work

When I helped start our coffee shop and roasting program, I knew I wanted it to reflect more than just good taste or solid operations. I wanted it to be shaped by a different set of priorities—where human flourishing and environmental responsibility weren’t bolted on after the fact, but built into the foundation.

That commitment shows up most clearly in how we source our coffee. I believe the people who grow, harvest, and process coffee should be treated with dignity. In practice, that means working with sourcing partners who prioritize fair wages, long-term relationships with farmers, and regenerative practices. It often costs more. It takes more time. But it reflects the kind of business I want to be part of—and the kind of impact we want to have.

Climate impact has also been a key concern. Coffee is vulnerable to the effects of climate change—and historically, many farming and roasting practices have made the problem worse. As we’ve built the roasting side of the business, we’ve worked to prioritize low-carbon operations and examine the supply chain through the lens of long-term sustainability. That includes everything from packaging decisions to how we educate customers about their own footprint.

This isn’t about checking boxes or polishing a brand. It’s about integrity—aligning internal convictions with the external reality of how the business operates. We’ve had to revisit assumptions, rework relationships, and make peace with trade-offs. But the goal has always been the same: to build something that does good without pretending to be perfect.

We’re still learning. I’m still learning. But by sharing this part of the process, I hope to make the work a little more visible. Maybe it’ll resonate with others who are trying to build businesses that reflect what they believe. Maybe it’ll offer a bit of clarity or encouragement for the next step.