Hannah Said from Saffron Cowboy Coffee Beans Without Boundaries

Hannah Said, a dedicated professional in the realm of diversity and inclusion, has built her career by significantly contributing to organizations such as the State Department of Disability in California, Walt Disney Company, and Lyft corporate.
Her journey took an unexpected turn when she contracted COVID-19 two years ago, which left her in isolation but with a burgeoning idea. Amidst the monotony and boredom of her recovery, Hannah dreamed of reuniting with her loved ones.
This aspiration, combined with her recent acquisition of a high-end espresso machine, inspired her to transform her yard into a welcoming space for connection and community. With a vision reminiscent of a childhood lemonade stand, yet tailored for adults, Hannah set out to create a quaint and personal coffee shop experience right at home.
Entrepreneurship and the Value of Community: "I just want my life to be around, create a a micro economy for me and my friends, and they create a micro economy for me." — Hannah SaidTL;DL
Embrace Vulnerability - Hannah advocates for getting comfortable with embarrassment and trying new things without the fear of looking foolish.
Coffee as a Cultural Connector - Both Hannah and I share a passion for coffee that goes beyond the beverage itself.
Diversity and Representation - Hannah's Saffron Cowboy is praised for promoting Arab representation and creating a diverse work environment.
Safe Spaces for Arab Queer Individuals - Hannah and I discuss the challenges of being Arab and queer in spaces that lack diversity and support.
Legacy of Inclusivity - Hannah's focus on building a legacy that supports community activation and diversity sets an example for other businesses to follow.
Personal Identity as Business Strength - Hannah's unapologetic connection to her biracial Middle Eastern and white identity informs the ethos and vision of Saffron Cowboy, making it stand out in the industry.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Full-time specialty coffee business with diverse events.
08:38 Cultural drinks and beans with diverse representation.
15:09 Curious about others' Arab American experiences.
17:33 Midwest experience differs for queer Arabs. Consider moving.
26:29 Saffron Cowboy's impressive growth and impact.
31:39 Grant funding supports disability employment through training.
34:27 Improvement in Saffron Cowboy's business is evident.
38:21 Excitement for industry innovation and diversity.
43:51 Struggling with ethical industry practices in employment.
54:31 Fascinated by stories shaping personal growth.
55:36 Passion for storytelling led to podcasting success.
01:02:53 Saffron Cowboy creating strong Middle Eastern identity.
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2024 Best Podcast Nominations
*Best DIY Podcast Finalist - The Ambies, Awards For Excellence in Audio - The Podcast Academy
*Best Coffee Podcast Finalist - The Sprudgie Awards, Honoring The Very Best in Coffee - Sprudge, The Worldwide Leader In Coffee News
My podcast website
My intro musicspan...