The idea for Coffee Ambassadors was first conceived during a season of investigation and research of the coffee industry. We discovered that many coffee farmers live in poverty and struggle to provide a stable income for their families and communities. We were confounded by this discovery because of the growing interest and market for specialty coffee, which we saw developing around us. We learned that farmers receive meager percentages of the selling value of their coffee, while much of the profits are consumed by unnecessary middle-men and large transnational corporations. Our dream quickly changed from desiring to open a coffee shop to wanting to work directly with farmers. A vision was born that would connect coffee drinkers with coffee farmers. Coffee Ambassadors is pursuing transparency, excellence, and relationships equally. To connect the consumer to the crop. To remind us that relational trade is not only possible, but powerful.