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In this episode of the Coffee is Me podcast, Valerian interviews Mabel and Ming from Moonwake Coffee. They discuss their first sip of coffee, their professions, and why they decided to start a coffee company. 

They also talk about the meaning behind the name Moonwake and their sales channels, including direct-to-consumer, farmers markets, and wholesale. They highlight the importance of building relationships with customers and the benefits of being part of the coffee enthusiast community. 

They also touch on the challenges and rewards of starting a business and the importance of finding meaning in their work. MoonWake Coffee Roasters focuses on delivering excellent coffee experiences to customers through their micro-lot offerings and commitment to quality. They have a unique approach to roasting, offering a range of roast levels and highlighting the farm name in their coffee lineup. 

The founders are passionate about the customer experience and wanted to create a positive and transparent environment. They made the decision to invest in a Cybertruck as a mobile coffee truck to solve problems, attract customers, and provide a unique experience. The biggest challenges for entrepreneurs are starting and dealing with uncertainty. It's important to take action and have a problem-solving mindset. 

MoonWake Coffee Roasters can be found online and at the Cupertino Danza College Farmers Market, with plans to open a cafe and roastery in West San Jose.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and First Sip of Coffee

02:41 Professions and Decision to Start a Coffee Company

08:18 Should You Leave Your Job to Start a Coffee Business?

16:20 The Meaning Behind the Name Moonwake Coffee

25:25 How to Find your First Customers

58:09 Thoughts on Sourcing and Creating a Coffee Portfolio

01:01:58 One vs Wide Range of Roast Degrees

01:04:42 About Quality and the Customer Experience

01:09:22 What Makes or Breaks a Coffee Business? Embrace Uncertainty