INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to purpose-driven organizations and passionate leaders and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their communities and industries.
Craig Lamberty is the owner of Conscious Coffees. Follow them on Facebook and learn more at www.consciouscoffees.com.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
We are a coffee roasting company which works in partnership with coffee farming communities who share our priority to respect and protect the earth and its people. We import and roast coffee sourced directly from indigenous producer groups who have collectively organized into local farmer cooperatives.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
We are all organic and all fair and direct trade. Through our direct relations with cooperatives around the world we eliminate the middle man and can ensure that they are paid a fair price for their beans. Also, by only buying and paying a higher price for organic beans, we ensure that the farms are and remain sustainable.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
We are pulling the small farmer out of poverty while protecting and improving our environment.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
My sister Kim who started a coffee co-op 10 years ago in Haiti. She has brought a market to farmers who never had one before due to lack of infrastructure. These farmers are now sending their children to school, investing in other cash crops and able to survive in what seems like an endless natural disaster cycle.
Conscious Coffee’s two roasters, Ricky and Shelby.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Grow the number of farmers and co-ops that move to organic. Grow the number of roasters who only deal with fair trade and organic co-ops.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
We need public recognition of the worldwide issues and an audience who cares.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Convincing farmers that the short term losses in going organic are worth it in the long term.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Have passion for your mission without preaching it.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
Buy only Fair Trade and organic coffee. Support the shops that support this mission.
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations serves those who serve others. We amplify the voice and reach of purpose-driven companies and nonprofits so they can increase their impact. We tell their stories to educate, inspire and motivate, and get our clients the attention and recognition they deserve for the impact they make.