At Kooky Koffee, coffee is more than just beans—it’s people, stories, and relationships. From the beginning, we’ve committed to working closely with the farmers who make everything possible. That means staying in regular contact, not just when it’s harvest season, but all year round. Every two weeks, I catch up with them over calls to hear how things are going—celebrating progress, sharing challenges, and simply checking in as friends. Along the way, we’ve built a bond that feels more like family than business.
Over the past year, we’ve worked on three meaningful projects together that really highlight the depth of this partnership.
Sharing Our First-Year Revenue
In February, I had the chance to return to Kenya and share the results of our first year of business with the farmers. Together, we launched a revenue share model that gave back 5% of our earnings. I brought along the final packaged Kooky Koffee to show them the finished product, and in return they welcomed me with a beautiful breakfast before taking me on a tour of their farms.
It was a day full of learning—I got to meet their families and see how each member contributes to the farm, from tending the coffee to looking after banana trees and macadamia. At the end of the day, they gave me a bunch of bananas to bring home to my family. In Kenyan culture, exchanging gifts and welcoming guests is a deeply valued tradition, and this moment captured that perfectly.
Capturing Their Stories Through Film
Before leaving, I gave the farmers two disposable cameras and asked them to document their daily lives during harvest season. When I collected the cameras later, the photos told such a raw, honest story of life on the farms. We shared these on our Instagram, and that post quickly became our most popular—proving that people really want to connect with the faces and stories behind their cup of coffee.
Bringing in a Photographer’s Lens
More recently, we invited my friend, photographer Amaury Falt-Brown, to spend time on the farms. Amaury captured incredible content, producing two beautiful videos now featured on our website. He shared how warmly the farmers welcomed him, laughing about the fun they had together and the excitement of seeing a drone flying overhead. At one point, they even piled into a car, hanging off the sides like a Kenyan matatu (taxi), driving around the farms and enjoying the moment together. These videos not only showcase the journey of the coffee bean but also give a real glimpse into the energy and joy of the farmers’ daily lives.
Looking Ahead
These projects are just the beginning. As I prepare to move back to Kenya, it feels like the perfect time to deepen this relationship even further. Having one of the founders on the ground means we can continue to tell these stories authentically, while working side by side with the farmers to support their goals and share their journey with coffee lovers in Vancouver and beyond.
At the heart of Kooky Koffee is this connection—between farmer and drinker, between farm and cup. And with every bag of coffee, you’re not just tasting bold, unique flavors—you’re sharing in these stories too.