On Single-State Coffee And Building Community in Texas: Desnudo Coffee
As we reflect on our Spring Season, we’re touching base with a few of our vendors. Today, we’re chatting with Desnudo Coffee about their approach to sustainability and building a better community in Texas.
Photo courtesy of Desnudo Coffee.
ABOUT DESNUDO COFFEE
We are Desnudo Coffee, which translates into “naked”. The root behind Desnudo began as a shift to bring life back to basics. When you strip down everything in its most natural state you begin to appreciate the little things. You can find us in our 1955 San Gabriel camper serving up single state Colombian Coffee. Single state means our coffee comes from one farm and more specifically small family run farms. This means that we do not add “bells and whistles” to make our product desirable - quality naturally shines through when you do not take shortcuts. Our coffee beans are sourced from small single-estate family-run farms, our milks and syrups are locally sourced and homemade (respectively), and our packaging is biodegradable. We control every step of the supply chain. We research and visit the farms ourselves, we talk one on one with the farmers, we transport it ourselves, we roast the beans ourselves, and finally we brew and serve the coffee ourselves.
What are you hoping to nurture through your work in 2022?
We have big goals. They can be categorized into two basic goals: first, we want to change the lives of each of the coffee farmers we work with. This can be accomplished by deeply understanding how we can improve the way they produce, harvest, and process their coffees. Second, we want to transform the plantations and make them more environmentally sustainable for both the farmers, and us all. With these two goals in mind, we are looking to establish & introduce a CSA (community shared agriculture) model with the farmers we work with. That being said of course is only possible through education & awareness in which we can spread the word throughout Austin!
Who are your biggest inspirations in Texas?
We always look up to companies who enrich the community, spread awareness, and are always striving to make a positive impact. That being said, we of course look up to Future Front, Boggy Creek Farm, and Veracruz All Natural. We believe they all work towards a mission and they respect and protect this mission in every single thing they do. That's the best inspiration for us and energize us to continue on our journey.
What does creative collaboration mean to you?
Introspectively, it is the ability to cohesively work as a team in a supercharged environment where ideas run freely, opinions are challenged with respect, critique is welcomed, & different perspectives are vital. On the outside, finding ways to work with the industry as a whole. Often times people believe you’re “competing” against the companies that work in the same business as you do. And history and “success stories” tell you to look at competition from an “all is valid” perspective. But we believe that’s where creativity can help you both succeed and open up the market for new customers.
How do you make space in your life to creatively recharge? Any tips or routines?
Mornings are our “quiet time”. We are up at 5 am starting the day with our daily ritual of preparing our cup of coffee. It’s very therapeutic and in a way calming as well. We also love to sit back and enjoy a home cooked meal, it really grounds us and gives us time to be off the clock.
How do you approach building community around your work?
We can all agree Austin is a very special place. Building community in Austin has been so humbling, and we've been finding inspiration in the multitude of communities that are proud to live in this city. Most of us care about where things come from, the effort of the people who produce what we eat, and the belief that all of us can build a better future.
What's the one recommendation you'd make to someone new starting out as an independent creative or small business owner?
Utilize the small business association! They have amazing resources for any startup no matter what phase you are in. Besides this, try to find a mentor in your field of work. Learn from those who have already find a way to make things work. And above all, define what success means to you.
Photo courtesy of Desnudo Coffee.
Photo courtesy of Desnudo Coffee.
EVERYTHING WE DO SUPPORTS WOMEN AND LGBTQ+ CREATIVES, DESIGNERS, ARTISTS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS FROM THE TEXAS SOUTH.
You can browse the 160+ vendors from our Spring Season lineup here.
WANT TO STAY INVOLVED WITH FUTURE FRONT TEXAS?
Attend The Front Market, and keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.