Beans Without Boundaries Elena Mahmood

Hannah Said, a dedicated professional in the realm of diversity and inclusion, has built her career by significantly contributing to organizations such as the State Department of Disability in California, Walt Disney Company, and Lyft corporate.
Her journey took an unexpected turn when she contracted COVID-19 two years ago, which left her in isolation but with a burgeoning idea. Amidst the monotony and boredom of her recovery, Hannah dreamed of reuniting with her loved ones.
This aspiration, combined with her recent acquisition of a high-end espresso machine, inspired her to transform her yard into a welcoming space for connection and community. With a vision reminiscent of a childhood lemonade stand, yet tailored for adults, Hannah set out to create a quaint and personal coffee shop experience right at home.
Entrepreneurship and the Value of Community: "I just want my life to be around, create a a micro economy for me and my friends, and they create a micro economy for me." — Hannah SaidTL;DL
Embrace Vulnerability - Hannah advocates for getting comfortable with embarrassment and trying new things without the fear of looking foolish.
Coffee as a Cultural Connector - Both Hannah and I share a passion for coffee that goes beyond the beverage itself.
Diversity and Representation - Hannah's Saffron Cowboy is praised for promoting Arab representation and creating a diverse work environment.
Safe Spaces for Arab Queer Individuals - Hannah and I discuss the challenges of being Arab and queer in spaces that lack diversity and support.
Legacy of Inclusivity - Hannah's focus on building a legacy that supports community activation and diversity sets an example for other businesses to follow.
Personal Identity as Business Strength - Hannah's unapologetic connection to her biracial Middle Eastern and white identity informs the ethos and vision of Saffron Cowboy, making it stand out in the industry.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Full-time specialty coffee business with diverse events.
08:38 Cultural drinks and beans with diverse representation.
15:09 Curious about others' Arab American experiences.
17:33 Midwest experience differs for queer Arabs. Consider moving.
26:29 Saffron Cowboy's impressive growth and impact.
31:39 Grant funding supports disability employment through training.
34:27 Improvement in Saffron Cowboy's business is evident.
38:21 Excitement for industry innovation and diversity.
43:51 Struggling with ethical industry practices in employment.
54:31 Fascinated by stories shaping personal growth.
55:36 Passion for storytelling led to podcasting success.
01:02:53 Saffron Cowboy creating strong Middle Eastern identity.
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2024 Best Podcast Nominations
*Best DIY Podcast Finalist - The Ambies, Awards For Excellence in Audio - The Podcast Academy
*Best Coffee Podcast Finalist - The Sprudgie Awards, Honoring The Very Best in Coffee - Sprudge, The Worldwide Leader In Coffee News
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My intro musicspan...

I have a very special guest who's pushing the boundaries of the coffee industry – Maya Crowley, the passionate and driven owner of Uncommon Coffee in Vermont.
Maya brings a new narrative to the scene with her fresh take on the oft-overlooked Robusta bean and her dedication to carving a space for minority voices in the globally-loved beverage. But it's not just coffee that stirs her soul – Maya is also an aspiring writer, an entrepreneur with a compelling family heritage, and even dreams of outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting on Survivor come 2025.
TL;DL
Perseverance in Entrepreneurship - Maya Crowley's journey from managing a bustling cafe in Burlington to navigating the challenges of opening her own business amid the pandemic demonstrates the resilience and determination it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in the coffee industry.
The Power of Community - The tale of Maya's venture in Essex, bolstered by a vision for a rejuvenated strip mall and a strong sense of hometown connection, exemplifies the critical role community support plays in the success of small businesses.
Shared Struggles - Both Maya and I have faced personal and professional battles, finding solace and purpose in their work within the service industry. Their experiences underscore the common hardships many people face and how work can act as a refuge and a source of strength.
Specialty Coffee Advocacy - Despite the popularity of Arabica, Maya enlightens listeners on the uniqueness of Robusta beans and advocates for a broader appreciation and understanding, challenging the coffee industry’s educational and taste biases.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Overcoming adversity and finding the strength within.
05:35 Reflecting on challenges faced and personal growth.
13:09 Hometown business owner expands to the revitalized area.
17:59 Immigrant parents joke about going to school.
24:23 New Survivor contestants value control of information.
28:24 Accessibility to connect altered relationships.
33:20 Positive community response, collaborations, and hosting events.
39:39 Focus on measurable goals outside of scores.
43:24 Essential book for roasting Robusta coffee beans.
52:22 Emphasizing genuine intention, and community building in coffee.
58:19 Barista competitions favor money over skill. Period.
59:49 Competition framework dictates coffee scoring limitations.
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2024 Best Podcast Nominations
*Best DIY Podcast Finalist - The Ambies, Awards For Excellence in Audio - The Podcast Academy
*Best Coffee Podcast Finalist - The Sprudgie Awards, Honoring The Very Best in Coffee - Sprudge, The Worldwide Leader In Coffee News
My intro music is from #Uppbeat: License code: LSMVDPBXNKA1UQST
My outro music is from #Uppbeat: License code: U295XJURUTU70RHZ
My podcast website
Copyright 2024 Elena Mahmood
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In this episode, Marissa shares her transition from a barista (who didn't even like coffee!) to becoming the head roaster at Novel Coffee Roasters.
Marissa also delves into the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a male-dominated field, her push for inclusivity, and her aspirations to connect directly with coffee producers.
Plus, she shares a hot take on her love for gas station coffee and why tasting notes might be overrated.
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2024 Best Podcast Nominations
*Best DIY Podcast Finalist - The Ambies, Awards For Excellence in Audio - The Podcast Academy
*Best Coffee Podcast Finalist - The Sprudgie Awards, Honoring The Very Best in Coffee - Sprudge, The Worldwide Leader In Coffee News
My intro music is from #Uppbeat: License code: LSMVDPBXNKA1UQST
My outro music is from #Uppbeat: License code: U295XJURUTU70RHZ
Copyright 2024 Elena Mahmood
My podcast website
Mentioned in this episode:
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If you like what you hear, buy me a coffee! Thanks!

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This week's episode features an intimate and thought-provoking conversation with the remarkable Marissa from Tanbrown Coffee in Atlanta.
🌟 Episode Highlights:
- Get to know Marissa, a trailblazer in the coffee industry, and the force behind Tanbrown Coffee, renowned for sourcing and roasting exceptional Asian coffees. Discover the inspirations and challenges that have shaped their journey.
- They dive into the Brewers Cup 2023 experience—preparation, competitions, and the strive for diversity and representation in the coffee competition space.
- Elena and Marissa candidly discuss the nuances of being people of color in a predominantly white industry and share personal anecdotes of facing microaggressions.
- Reconnect with your roots, as they explore the significance of cultural identity and representation in the coffee community.
- Join the conversation on the importance of accessible education in the craft of coffee roasting and brewing practices.
- Discover the profound impact that investing in women producers can have on communities.
- Delve into "hot takes" on the coffee industry, from the home brewing culture to the importance of fostering a supportive barista community.
P.S. We love hearing from our listeners! Give us your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes on IG.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Struggling to receive help learning about coffee.
08:36 Appreciates design, found new career path. Hated corporate.
10:40 Barista work provided unexpected value over design.
15:58 Encounter fueled anger, but the industry was empowering.
23:08 Aesthetics can be a barrier, but important.
31:19 Advocated for waitlist, practiced for Brewer's Cup.
36:04 Competing in coffee competition with a twist.
40:56 Advocating for diversity and opportunity in competitions.
44:34 Engaged with coffee community during pandemic.
49:35 Not close to parents, cultural connection struggle.
58:54 Discovering favorite Congolese coffee through regular tastings.
01:06:16 Promoting inclusivity and representation in the coffee industry.
01:10:55 Passionate about Yemeni coffees and community representation.
01:19:47 Enthusiastic praise for Brewer's Cup and community.
TLDR
1. Representation Matters: Both emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the coffee industry, with a specific focus on giving visibility and support to Arab and queer Arab communities, as well as addressing the underrepresentation of Asian coffees and producers.
2. Rising Above Discrimination: Stories from both highlight the need to confront and overcome the microaggressions and stereotypical questions based on ethnicity that are prevalent within the industry, and the motivational drive to create a safe and welcoming space for marginalized communities.
3. The Financial Hurdles of Competition: Their experience in the Brewers Cup illustrates the significant financial and resource-based challenges faced by competitors, especially those from underrepresented and under-resourced communities.
4. Authentic Community Engagement: Discussing the importance of genuinely reaching out to others in the coffee community without the immediate intent of turning relationships into business opportunities is a valuable takeaway for enhancing true communal support.
5. Perseverance and Skill Recognition: There's an emphasis on the desire for individuals to be acknowledged for their professional skills in coffee without being pigeonholed by ethnic or cultural stereotypes.
6. Sustainable Business Growth: Both advocate for responsible and slow business growth that ensures partnerships are aligned with core values and contribute to steady progression without reliance on substantial outside investment.
7. The Role of Women in Coffee Production: The positive...

2024 Best Podcast Nominations
*Best DIY Podcast Finalist - The Ambies, Awards For Excellence in Audio - The Podcast Academy
*Best Coffee Podcast Finalist - The Sprudgie Awards, Honoring The Very Best in Coffee - Sprudge, The Worldwide Leader In Coffee News
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My intro music is from #Uppbeat: License code: LSMVDPBXNKA1UQST
My outro music is from #Uppbeat: License code: U295XJURUTU70RHZ
My podcast website
Follow the podcast on Instagram!
Copyright 2024 Elena Mahmood
Mentioned in this episode:
Buy Me A Coffee
If you like what you hear, buy me a coffee! Thanks!

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In this episode, specialty coffee roaster Areli Barrera Grodski shares the origin story of how she and her husband Leon bootstrapped Little Waves Coffee Roasters in Durham, NC.
She takes us along on recent trips to origin in Brazil and Colombia, detailing learnings about women producers, processing methods, and building relationships. Areli discusses sourcing challenges from the pandemic and her future goals for supporting producers and providing career wages for her team.
Hear more during the post-show banter!
2024 Best Podcast Nominations
*Best DIY Podcast Finalist - The Ambies, Awards For Excellence in Audio - The Podcast Academy
*Best Coffee Podcast Finalist - The Sprudgie Awards, Honoring The Very Best in Coffee - Sprudge, The Worldwide Leader In Coffee News
Follow the podcast on Instagram!
Buy Me A Coffee
My podcast website
My intro music is from #Uppbeat: License code: LSMVDPBXNKA1UQST
My outro music is from #Uppbeat: License code: U295XJURUTU70RHZ
Copyright 2024 Elena Mahmood
Mentioned in this episode:
Buy Me A Coffee
If you like what you hear, buy me a coffee! Thanks!

Buy Me A Coffee