A few years ago, someone asked me to define the meaning of the word 'empathy'. So I paused to think. Many people associate empathy with the act of stepping into someone else's shoes and seeing the world through their eyes.
But the first thing that came to mind was the concept of self-awareness. To be self-aware is to see oneself objectively. Something that can't be done unless and until you begin seeing yourself from another person's perspective. And understand how you are being received.
So I thought to myself: How can you possibly demonstrate empathy without possessing self-awareness at the same time?
I was reminded of this exchange when I encountered this week's featured roaster Others Coffee. A DC-based specialty coffee brand founded by Ashley May and Brian Raupp. Who launched their company on National Coffee Day back in 2020 after finding themselves out of work as baristas at the start of the pandemic.
The couple decided on the name "Others" to underline the interconnected nature of the coffee world – how coffee passes through many hands before it reaches your cup in the morning. And to recognize the stories of all the "others" typically working on the other side of the world.
There's a degree of selflessness here. The act of stepping out of one's own shoes. Truly. And disappearing into the shoes of another. To ensure that others belong.
It's a theme I've observed multiple times since the start of my journey in the specialty coffee world. But why has it come up repeatedly?
There are many ways to explore this question. But I imagine that it's partly because the industry at its core is rooted in hospitality. Or the business of serving others.
Today we're thrilled to introduce Others Coffee to our community. And support Ashley and Brian on their journey (worth noting here that their end-goal is to open up a brick-and-mortar café in DC) by offering their Chiapas, Mexico Medium Roast on our marketplace.
This washed, single-origin blend comes from small farmers in the Chiapas. The southernmost coffee-growing region in Mexico known for producing mild and sweet coffees.
It's an ideal choice for the remaining months of winter. To rest still for a little while. Before embracing the ray of sunshine moving your way through the clouds ⛅️
Notes of dark chocolate, lime and cranberry make this balanced offering light and complex enough to please drip coffee enthusiasts. But will stand up to a bit of dairy as well.
Others Coffee roasts weekly and ships within three business days.
MORE COFFEES
Colombia Single Origin Blend by Jeong Coffee
La Favorita by Good Citizen Coffee Co.
Rocky Mountain Blend by Park Pass Coffee
Don Eli - Miramar by Loveless Coffees
Sumatra, Kerinci by Tanbrown Coffee
EVENTS
Do you have an upcoming coffee event in any of the following cities?
Atlanta
Austin
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Portland
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Washington, D.C.
If you do, please reply back to this email and let me know! As our community continues to grow (1800+ subscribers 🚀), we're aiming to connect members to events happening in cities across the country. To further promote specialty coffee and share opportunities for learning.
We'd love to provide that bridge and help all of you connect with each other through future newsletters. So reach out and let me know what you're working on!
Our Referral Program
Due to the popularity of our recent promotion with BrewSleepDraw, we've decided to partner up again to offer a Hot Coffee Sticker to the first five people who refer 3 of their friends!
If this is the first time you've encountered our Referral Program, please see the following directions on how to make a referral:
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