Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caroline Kingori. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Caroline, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Our family’s coffee journey began with our late grandfather, Ex-Senior Chief Moses Mukira, who planted his first coffee tree in 1954 in the highlands of Nyeri County, Central Kenya. His pioneering spirit and dedication to social capital inspired us to create Ukiira Coffee, a brand that pays homage to his legacy.

The name “Ukiira” holds deep significance for us. It represents the strength and resilience of our community, symbolized by the meanings “stand,” “arise,” and “awaken.” Our mission is to uplift the voices of the coffee-producing communities in Kenya. By adding an extra “i” to “ukira,” we’ve crafted a distinct and memorable brand name, “Ukiira.”

Our grandfather’s impact extended far beyond coffee farming. During his tenure as Senior Chief, he transformed the community, increasing the number of schools, polytechnics, health centers, and spearheading various community projects. He nurtured a large family and mentored countless children in the community.

As the third generation, we carry the torch of our grandfather’s legacy with pride. Ukiira Coffee aims to become a leader in supplying exceptional freshly roasted coffee while enhancing the lives of our suppliers, customers, and communities. With each cup of our coffee, we aim to awaken feelings of warmth, freshness, and connection.

Through our commitment to quality, community engagement, and the pursuit of excellence, we aspire to honor our grandfather’s spirit and create a lasting impact. Join us on this remarkable journey as we share the rich flavors of our coffee and the uplifting stories of the communities behind them.

Caroline, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Ukiira Coffee, founded by the grandchildren of Ex-Senior Chief Moses Mukira, is led by three Directors: Prof. Caroline King’ori, Wairimu King’ori, and Yvonne Gachugi. Our company specializes in selling specialty roasted coffee in the USA and Kenya, with a compassionate twist. In honor of our grandfather’s legacy as an advocate for education and social development, we donate a portion of our proceeds to local schools.

By aligning our brand with our grandfather’s values, we create a coherent and powerful message that resonates with our customers and sets us apart in the market. We take immense pride in supporting education and empowering young individuals to make a positive impact in their communities.

Our commitment goes beyond providing a premium coffee experience. We strive to be deeply rooted in the community, promote sustainability, and act as responsible environmental stewards. These values distinguish us from the competition and drive our actions as Directors of Ukiira Coffee.

In summary, Ukiira Coffee is more than just a coffee company. We are guided by our grandfather’s legacy and fueled by our dedication to delivering excellence, supporting education, and creating a positive impact. Join us on this journey as we transform the coffee experience and contribute to the betterment of our communities.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Ukiira Coffee was founded by three dedicated family members: Prof. Caroline Kingori, Elizabeth Kingori, and Yvonne Gachugi. We are driven by a shared mission to continue our grandfather’s legacy and make him proud. Our dynamic collaboration, fueled by diverse experiences, forms the foundation of our success.

Caroline Kingori, based in the USA, excels in strategic planning, budget management, team leadership, mentorship, and providing technical guidance. She oversees financial reporting, performance monitoring, marketing, distribution, and product performance in the US market.

Wairimu King’ori, based in Nairobi, is a seasoned strategy and business management consultant with expertise in new product development, process improvement, customer acquisition, market strategy, and crisis management. She manages the team and day-to-day business operations.

Yvonne Gachugi, based in Nairobi, is a coffee enthusiast and climate change specialist. With a passion for community and sustainability, she leads coffee sourcing, packaging, and designs and implements social programs to give back to the community.

Together, we harness our unique skills and shared vision to drive Ukiira Coffee forward. Our unwavering commitment to our family’s legacy fuels our determination and inspires us to make a positive impact. Through compassion and action, we strive to create a thriving business that not only satisfies our customers but also gives back to the community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

We have all experienced the devastating loss of a family member to cancer, which has profoundly impacted our lives. These losses have taken away vibrant and cherished individuals, deeply valued by our family and extensive network of friends. Through these painful experiences, we have learned valuable lessons that drive our actions as we run our business:

Cherishing the Present: Our loved ones’ loss reminds us of life’s fragility and the importance of treasuring each moment. Our commitment lies in fostering a work environment that prioritizes work-life balance, mindfulness, and overall well-being. By nurturing the health and happiness of our team, we cultivate a resilient and supportive workplace.

Embracing Empathy and Compassion: Grief has expanded our capacity for empathy and compassion. We actively cultivate a workplace that understands, supports, and cares for our customers, business networks, and ourselves. Open communication, active listening, and providing emotional support resources are essential aspects of our compassionate approach.

Adapting to Change: Loss has taught us the inevitability of life’s evolution and the need to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. We embrace a culture of adaptability and flexibility within our organization, learning from setbacks and seeking innovative solutions to thrive in challenging times.

Harnessing the Power of Connection: Loss has reinforced the significance of human connection and support. We are dedicated to fostering strong relationships with ourselves, employees, customers, and the community at large. By creating a sense of belonging and meaningful connections, we uplift morale and foster a support network capable of weathering any storm.

Making a Positive Impact: Loss has inspired a deep desire to make a difference. At Ukiira Coffee, social responsibility is embedded in our business practices. We actively support community outreach programs and allocate resources to address societal issues. Through adversity, we transform it into a catalyst for positive change.

Maintaining a Long-Term Perspective: Loss has reminded us of life’s fleeting nature and the importance of pursuing long-term goals and leaving a lasting legacy. We remain steadfast in focusing on the bigger picture, even in the face of setbacks. By maintaining this long-term perspective, Ukiira Coffee navigates challenges with resilience, relentlessly pursuing our vision and mission.

Overall, the lessons learned from our loved ones’ battles with cancer have shaped our unwavering commitment to resilience. By prioritizing well-being, fostering empathy and compassion, adapting to change, emphasizing connection, making a positive impact, and maintaining a long-term perspective, we continue to build a resilient business that thrives while positively impacting the lives of all those involved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopukiiracoffee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukiiracoffee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukiiracoffee