Meet Sam Sanderson | Coffee Roaster and Owner

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

Hi Sam, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

Balance is not the easiest thing to grasp, especially when you own a business! It can be very challenging at times to learn how to step away and breathe again. When I first started LUV, work life balance was not something that I understood, let alone knew how to value! But as time went on, I began to realize how important it was for me to be able to rest and recharge. What I came to realize is that I am not only a better person for myself, but I became a better version of myself for my business and external relationships. I am someone who is very extroverted so the “go go go” mentality always made sense. However, what I came to appreciate was the time in between and the person I was able to show up as when I allowed myself the balance of recharge.

Balance is a weird thing to think about. For me, all of my energy feels like it has to be in alignment in order to feel balanced. I see balance as time for your mind, heart, and soul to reset and find a beat that is in rhythm with one other. Balance has created a sense of alignment for me that has allowed me to create new ideas and outlooks on my business. Sometimes, all you need is time away to feel close to the thing that feels far away. Give yourself the moment to think, create, and breathe. One breath at a time!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

When I first started dreaming about LUV, it was always going to be more than just the coffee. It was about community, making space for people to create, and being an environment that created an irreplaceable feeling within. LUV stands for Listen, Understand, and Validate. Three words that I strive to live out in every decision, partnership, relationship, and idea within LUV Collective.

LUV Collective was built from a space that I felt lacked in my own life. After spending a year abroad in Argentina, I gained a way deeper sense of what community and belonging felt like to me. I wanted to be in more environments where diversity was present, energetic rooms where people felt their dreams could turn into reality, all while leaving enough room to enjoy the simplicity of life – like your favorite cup of coffee. So, then I began thinking, dreaming, and imagining a world where these things could happen in the middle of LA.

A coffee shop was always a dream of mine, never one I thought would come so fast. But before I knew it, the opportunity was in front of me and I was freshly out of college, unsure about what would be next – then came LUV. The idea I had of a coffee shop checked a lot of boxes for me. As mentioned, I knew I wanted to create a space for people to be together, but not just in the sense of community. I also wanted there to be shared partnerships and developments with like minded businesses and creators. I want LUV to continue to share pieces of us in other spaces that will challenge us to grow and develop in this industry! There is so much to learn and so much work to still be done!

Being a Black Queer Woman, it was important to me that I didn’t just build a coffee shop but I left enough room to pave the way for others who followed my journey to believe that they could too. Being a business owner and a coffee roaster – two things I would’ve never thought I would or could be. Holding all the identities that I do, there was also a sense of celebration that I wanted to bring into this space. Though trailblazing can be tough and at times feel like you are up against a mountain to climb, there still gets to be joy in the work that is being done and the version of me that chooses to keep showing up. To be here today, with LUV still in front of me is a testament that even the obstacles that feel impossible are possible to overcome. And a very important reminder to stay true to who you are, what you’re trying to create, and the version of you that you want others to remember most.

LUV is a really special place. One that through all the seasons has felt worth fighting for – because it’s not just for the transaction of a cup of coffee – it’s for the relationships that help shape us, the safe space that makes us feel more alive, and the hope that even when your dreams feel out of reach, you can get there. This journey has always been more than me and oftentimes, just more than I ever could have imagined. It’s about the little things in life that go a long way – one decision and one step at a time.

Aside from all the things that I have mentioned, I think it is important to note that one of the biggest lessons I take away from this journey thus far is the permission to keep dreaming. It doesn’t have to end after one journey and it is okay to feel like one adventure is connecting the dots to more – more of you – more of what you have to offer to the world in front of you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If I had a friend come and visit, here is the ideal day I would give them within LA. I would start off with a hike or a brisk walk around the beach! When time came for coffee, if not LUV(of course), I would stop in at Patria Coffee Roasters in Compton. Following an outdoor adventure and cup of coffee, I would love to have a quick lunch to go and head to a brewery for the afternoon! Common Space Brewery is one of my favorite places to hang out with friends and enjoy each other’s company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I love this idea of recognizing and acknowledging the other people who we have the pleasure of having with us alongside our adventures. For me, it is my partner, Hannah and the extension of friends(including my sister) that bring great joy and wisdom into my world! To be completely frank, I do not know how I would be here today without them – feels fair to say, I wouldn’t. There is so much beauty in getting to share life with other people and make people be a part of your story and all the things that make you, you. Also – shout out to all of you who are in coffee and doing the dang thing – I am thankful for all of you!

When I started LUV, it was the support from my inner crew who were there to check in on me, offer support in tangible ways, and always made it a point to be at LUV for any new drink launch, event, or special occasion! Being fortunate to have had such a supportive partner and crew behind me has also allowed me to step into others journeys with more intention behind it. You don’t realize the power of the people who are behind you until you feel them catch you and bring you back up. The people who stand with you are not only in it with you but they will always be a part of your story!

To my partner, and my people, you are the reason I keep growing. Thank you for being a part of LUV. May we constantly have the opportunity to bring others on this wild adventure with us – together, we are better!

Website: luvcollective.org

Instagram: luv_collective