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

Hi Simone, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I first had the idea for Social Brew when I was about to graduated college. I first was exposed to the issue of human trafficking in college and knew from that point on I had to do something about it. I started educating myself and meeting as many people working in the space as possible, I volunteered at various anti-trafficking non-profits which eventually led me to co-lead a women’s service trip to India to volunteer with an anti-trafficking organization there. I was a few months away from graduating when I came up with the idea for my business. I knew I had always loved and appreciated coffee and I thought why not open a coffee shop where I could employ survivors and create sustainable job opportunities?

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?
I have an e-commerce coffee and pancake business where I sell primarily Hawaiian coffee and Hawaiian flavored pancake mixes and I donate 50% of my profits to fighting human trafficking. I feel like the combination of it being Hawaiian coffee which is a connector for many people contrasted with the issue of human trafficking is unique. I’m excited about the future for Social Brew and hope to expand to more hotels and airlines as well as have an in-person coffee shop where I can employ survivors and spotlight other important causes.

It definitely wasn’t easy to get to where I’m at right now. Three years of hard work but about 6 years of thinking about it. I am grateful to have my father and aunt as advisors in my business which I think has helped motivate me when I have come up against obstacles. I feel like in my personal life I have worked on building resilience which has carried over into my business life. When I first launched Social Brew I decided to put myself out there no matter how uncomfortable it felt at times. I always think that the worst anyone can say is ‘no.’ I have heard many ‘no’s but it hasn’t stopped me because I am motivated by my mission. I think without knowing and holding onto your “why” it’s very difficult to withstand the tough times.

I want the world to know that Social Brew doesn’t exist to reinvent the wheel or to be just another trendy coffee company but rather to spark something in people that shows them they can make a difference no matter where they find themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Grand Central Market, the Last Bookstore, the Grove, the LACMA, the beach in Malibu, the Venice boardwalk and skate park, a hike by the Hollywood sign, a Lakers game, the Getty museum, a concert at the Hollywood Bowl or Greek theatre, an outdoor movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and maybe even Disneyland. Some of the places I would take them to eat/drink would be: Citizens Public Market in Culver City, Eataly, Cafe on 27, Baadmash, Jon and Vinny’s, Elephante, Esters Wine Bar, the Proper Hotel for drinks, Cobi’s, the Nice Guy, Giorgio Baldi, Teleferic, Milo and Olive, Clark Street Bakery, Lala Land Kind Cafe, Maru, Love Coffee Bar, Howlin Rays, Din Tai Fung, Little Lunch Coffee, Gnarwhal coffee, Milkbar, Salt and Straw Mizlala, Malibu Farms Cafe, Lily’s in Malibu, Go get em’ tiger. Sidecar donuts, Laurel’s Hardware, EP/LP. I’m a big fan of having lots of options!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my dad. He has been my biggest supporter as I’ve taken the leap of faith to start my own business. He has shared his wisdom with me and championed me when I doubted myself. It really does take a village to make things happen and I’m grateful for mine.

Website: www.socialbrew.us

Instagram: @sipsocialbrew

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-ispahani-65bb76ba/

Youtube: @TheConsciousCupPodcast

Other: My Social Brew e-mail: simone@socialbrew.us

Image Credits
Jon Blea Kelton Mattingly

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