We had the good fortune of connecting with ERIC CHAGALA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ERIC, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind our success at CoffeeAside.com is that people love what we are about: Building community, one bag of coffee at a time. We specialize in custom labeled, Specialty Grade, fresh roasted coffee. And we have found a niche in using those labels to do fundraisers for all types of youth sports and other youth-based organizations. We create coffee bag labels for these groups with their logos and tag lines to sell in their fundraisers. We know the value of young people being involved in sports teams, groups, clubs, music programs, cheerleading, church youth groups, Scouts and more — but we also know that many of these groups need extra help with funding. So we are excited to be building community through these efforts to support youth in a unique way!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business was actually born during the Covid shutdowns. My best friend, Dr Kaleb Rashad and I have a 501(c)3 Non-Profit (UnlockedHCD.com) and the primary way that we earn revenue is through direct services in the form of speaking, running workshops, teaching human-centered design, and such.

With the Covid shut downs we needed a way to still cover some basic operational costs, so one way of helping do that was launching CoffeeAside.com. It was a new way of thinking, a new effort, but it felt good and made a lot of connections through it. Now that Covid is over and we are back to direct services for our Non-Profit, the coffee business is a stand-alone company that while not formally a part of our 501(c)3 anymore, it is a not-for-profit operation. Meaning, my family and I operate it solely for the purpose of building community through running, supporting, and subsidizing costs of youth-based organization fundraisers. It is our way of giving back.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a San Diego native – born and raised. I absolutely LOVE San Diego. I would definitly take him to La Jolla to look at the Sea Lions. I am in love with Sea Lions, and it is a blessing to have such a great environment for them in our own back yard. Afterwards we would definitely hit up Berini’s Bistro and Bar. We would sit at the bar, get a nive red wine and the lasagna. The lasagna is out of sight! I have been to Bernini’s so many times, and I wish I had an opinion about anything else on the menu — but the lasagna is so amazing, it is all I have ever ordered!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am a huge Seth Godin fan, and he talks about shipping your work. And it is exciting to launch and do something that matters, and is a bit out of your comfort zone.

Website: https://www.CoffeeAside.com

Instagram: @CoffeeAside

Facebook: Coffee Aside

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