We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Angelic Vasquez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
At Fair Trade Cafe, we pride ourselves on serving only fair trade certified, organic, and shade-grown coffees and teas. Our commitment to ethical sourcing extends from the farmer to the roaster. In addition to our dedication to quality, we’re passionate about sustainability. We divert over 400 pounds of compost weekly, making a positive impact on our environment. Our customers share our enthusiasm for sustainability and are eager to learn more about composting. Together, we’re making a difference, one cup at a time.

Stephanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Fair Trade Cafe is the longest standing coffee shop in Downtown Phoenix! We are proudly women and Latina owned. Steady Bean Grinding since 2007 offering a diverse selection of specialty coffees, teas, smoothies, and all-day breakfast and lunch options. Among our offerings, the Phoenix Cold Brew reigns as a FTC classic and customer favorite. Crafted with organic agave, cold brew, soy milk, and topped with cinnamon, it’s a refreshing delight that embodies the spirit of our vibrant city.

How did you build your audience on social media?
Fair Trade Cafe originated in 2007, a time when social media was far from what it is today. As a seasoned small business, we’ve embraced the evolution of technology and adapted accordingly. Our key advice for building a strong social media following, and what has propelled our own growth, is staying true to our brand and its values, while maintaining consistency in our marketing efforts. Authenticity and consistency have been our guiding principles in navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?
In the competitive food and beverage industry, innovation is essential for staying ahead, particularly when it comes to diversifying revenue streams. At Fair Trade Cafe, we’ve embraced this challenge by offering seasonal merchandise, catering services, and hosting private events. These additional offerings not only enhance our business but also provide unique experiences for our customers, further solidifying our presence in the market

Contact Info:
- Website: www.azfairtrade.com
- Instagram: @fairtradecafeaz
- Facebook: Fair Trade Cafe

