Starting The Engine
The journey to entrepreneurship is seldom a straight path. For me, Chris, Founder of GOOD KOFFEE, it’s been a winding road—literally and metaphorically after leaving a 20 + year career in the Creative Arts. I trained professionally as an actor, singer and dancer with my first job performing on a cruise ship that set sail around the world. After years of dedictaion I then got my dream job performing in London's West End in Bollywood musical spectacular Bombay Dreams. After this, I moved behind the curtain crafting a career backstage working at Disney's The Lion King for nearly 17 years... it was then in 2018 I made the decision to embarked on a new path.
To fund my start-up, I took up a job as a courier for companies like Uber Eats and Gophr, delivering everything from food shopping, prescriptions, tools from Screwfix to high ticket items such as suits from London's top tailors and of course, take-away dinners! Covering the streets of Central & South East London. With many trips averaging 2 to 3 miles each. I’ve clocked up over 27,000 miles on my much loved Honda 125cc scooter.
This job, while challenging, has been an adventure that intertwines travel, connection, and the essence of my entrepreneurial spirit. The story of GOOD KOFFEE isn’t just about a brand; it’s about the journey that has fuelled its creation.
The Road to Freedom
My love affair with mopeds began during summers in Ibiza. Renting a moped on the island evoked an incredible sense of freedom that stayed with me. I dreamed of bringing that feeling back to the UK, and now, riding through the bustling streets of South East London, I find traces of that same freedom. It’s this spirit of exploration and adventure that has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional life.
Travel as Inspiration
Travel has played a significant role in shaping the vision for GOOD KOFFEE. My trips to far-flung destinations like India, the Philippines, South East Asia, and Indonesia—particularly Bali—have deeply influenced our company's mission and products. Each journey offered a new perspective, a new flavour, and a new story that weaves into the fabric of GOOD KOFFEE. The diverse cultures and vibrant coffee scenes in these places have inspired me to create a brand that embodies the rich tapestry of global coffee traditions.
Putting in the Miles
While the allure of exotic travel is undeniable, the reality of funding a start-up is grounded in hard work and determination. I haven’t been afraid to put in the miles on my scooter, making deliveries to ensure GOOD KOFFEE can thrive. There have been scooter thefts with on-foot pursuits, accidents in the extreme rain and snow and potentially life altering moments when a Royal Mail van reversed over my bike and nearly me. It is sure though that each delivery is more than just a transaction; it’s a fleeting glance into the lives of people. From the new 'luxury' developments to the so-called 'no-go areas' like large council estates, I’ve experienced the full spectrum of human connection. Some of the biggest smiles and warmest interactions have come from these unexpected places, which continues to remind me that often, the most valuable experiences are found off the beaten path.
Building Connections
These daily interactions have not only helped fund my business but also reinforced the values that GOOD KOFFEE stands for. I’ve always prided myself on my ability to connect with people from all walks of life with my own history of being adopted and a DNA that spreads across three continents playing into this worldly feeling. This inclusivity is a core value of GOOD KOFFEE, shaping our brand’s identity and mission. Every customer interaction has taught me something new, reinforcing the idea that inclusivity and community are at the heart of what we do.
The Next Leap
After four years and 10,000 trips, I’m ready to take the next leap. Each adventure must come to an end, and for me, that means transitioning from my role as a courier to focusing all my efforts on launching GOOD KOFFEE. The experiences and miles travelled have laid a solid foundation for what’s to come. I’m excited to dedicate myself to building GOOD KOFFEE into a global brand, one that reflects the journey, the connections, and the spirit of adventure that have brought us this far.
Conclusion
The road to entrepreneurship is paved with countless miles, diverse interactions, and invaluable lessons. For me, those 27,000 miles on my Honda 125cc scooter have been more than just a means to an end. They’ve been a journey of discovery, connection, and relentless pursuit of a dream. As I prepare to launch GOOD KOFFEE, I carry with me the experiences and stories of every delivery made and every smile encountered. Here’s to the miles ahead and the adventures that await as we take GOOD KOFFEE to new heights.
Love,
Chris
Founder + GOOD guy. ;)