An interview with Sam Roberts, a psychologist & founder of 6oz Coffee, an innovative artisan coffee brand
In our engaging interview with Mr. Sam Roberts, a psychologist turned entrepreneur, we explore his captivating journey into the world of coffee with his brand, 6oz Coffee.
Combining his expertise in mental well-being with a passion for brewing, Sam shares the inspiration behind his venture and how he aims to create not just a beverage, but an experience that promotes connection and mindfulness.
What inspired you to set up a 6oz coffee?
Sam Roberts: Hailing from Bangalore, which is India’s largest coffee-producing state, I have grown up in a very vibrant coffee culture. So from an early age in my life, my love for coffee is deeply ingrained in me.
When I moved to Singapore, I found no equivalence between the depth of flavors and cultural connections that Indians share with their coffee and what was offered here. And that ignited my passion for creating 6oz Coffee, a café celebrating 100% pure Indian coffee beans.
Since psychology is my field of study, this cafe gave me the inspiration to setup a platform where people connect over cups of coffee. I combine my passion for coffee and my expertise in mental wellness to create a community space above and beyond the ordinary experience of coffee.
Can you explain the concept behind 6oz Coffee and what makes it unique?
Sam Roberts: Directly sourced from Karnataka’s lush plantations, 6oz Coffee celebrates the richness of 100% pure Indian coffee beans. Our handcrafted excellence and sustainability are committed to ethical sourcing practices that support local farmers, as at 6oz coffee every cup tells a story.
This enables our customers to experience our different flavors of coffee beans, make a connection with the culture of Indian coffee, and connect with similar people of shared passion.
How do you source your coffee, and what qualities do you look for in your beans?
Sam Roberts: At 6oz Coffee, we source directly from our local farmers in India, where assured freshness meets the livelihood support of those who cultivate those exceptional beans.
We ensure high-quality Arabica and Robusta varieties, rich in flavors, and aromatic profiles expressing the quality of the terroir present in the region. With deep relationships with our farmers, we would also be able to practice fair trade practices to our advantage and that of the community.
How do you create a welcoming atmosphere for customers at 6oz Coffee?
Sam Roberts: Creating a warm, friendly atmosphere at 6oz Coffee is the core of our mission. Our café is furnished and designed to feel cozy and relaxing, giving a relaxing and enjoyable time to our guests during their visit to us.
Our staff has been trained to be welcoming, and we provide attentive service to every guest. We also host coffee-tasting events and educational workshops to create a sense of community and make our customers involved, these are designed to foster interaction among coffee enthusiasts.
Thus, we aim to provide an excellent service and give insight to our customers about Indian coffee origins.
What challenges did you face when entering the coffee industry, and how did you overcome them?
Sam Roberts: It was rather tough than easy entering this world of coffee, as it came with many challenges, such as the development of a relationship with a reliable supplier and, naturally, making an own niche in a competitive marketplace.
However, I succeeded in this struggle by establishing deeper relationships with the local farmers in Karnataka by ensuring a regular supply of quality beans. I have spent a lot of time understanding what the customers wanted and have tried perfecting our product.
Our commitment to quality and authenticity has helped us carve out a niche. Then, of course, our innovative tastings and educational events have helped us build a loyal following and establish our brand identity.
What are your plans for the future of 6oz Coffee, both in terms of products and community initiatives?
Sam Roberts: Looking forward, we like to increase our footprint by opening more cafés at strategic locations. We also aim to increase our product offerings, which will go under the banner of diversity in Indian coffee, be it specific blends or season-specific specialties.
Our focus is also on more events, community engagement, and educational workshops, and we further want to delve into and work with organizations that appreciate the coffee culture, which will help us nurture our community relationships and take care of our local farmers who grow these pure and authentic coffee beans to create a sustainable model, both good for us as a brand and the coffee industry at large.
What advice would you give to others looking to blend their professional expertise with a new entrepreneurial venture?
Sam Roberts: My suggestion to risk-takers who wish to meld their professional experience with a new entrepreneurial venture is to use your existing strengths but always keep yourself open to learning and adaptation.
Although passion is critical, to survive in a competitive market, it’s just as important to have an understanding of your market and target audience. Always ensure that your offerings are of good quality and authenticity.
Don’t forget to interact with your community, as it creates a deeper and closer bond with customers, which will help you understand their needs and demands, as well as a good rapport with both customers and connections you need to sail through the twists and turns of entrepreneurial life.
Finally, do not run away from problems that usually present opportunities for growth and innovation.
As we conclude our conversation, Sam Roberts’ story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions.
His innovative approach to coffee, grounded in psychological insights, offers a refreshing perspective that resonates with both coffee lovers and those seeking a deeper connection in their daily routines.
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