Striving for Equality and a Better Future for Everyone
REPOST by Sahoja
Kikos Coffee & Tea started in 2018 with the vision of bringing high quality coffee to Boston and the US. This vision blossomed into a mission based on equality and ensuring a better future for people everywhere as they pursued certification through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Now Kikos is the #1 LGBTQ and Minority owned Coffee and Tea company in the USA! Sahoja is grateful to have them in our family of brands, and to also have an Impact Project for the Impact-U Foundation they support.
In trying times, being a part of a large, welcoming community strengthens and unifies each of its members. This is no different for the NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) community, as Juan Arroyave, co-founder and owner of Certified LGBTBE® (Certified LGBT Business Enterprise) Kikos Coffee & Tea, says!
“I am happy to belong to a community that supports each other no matter the situation,” he told NGLCC. “Being certified allowed me to submit my portfolio to big companies. I have met wonderful people and learned from them.”
Kikos Coffee imports and distributes Colombian coffee, as well as a variety of coffees and teas from other origins, to grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and online retailers. It was founded in 2019 by Arroyave and Peter Burgos in Revere, Massachusetts, and was recently certified in 2020!
When Arroyave was asked about what was unique about Kikos Coffee, he cited his work as an entrepreneur to support other small, diverse businesses.
“I manage all the processes and it supports different minorities and small businesses,” he explained. “Besides, it’s REAL Colombian coffee. You can tell the difference!”
Arroyave is most proud of building a name for himself and his business without financial muscle. He has also set numerous goals for his business over the course of the next several years.
“In 5 years, I see myself working full time in my business and having at least 10 types of coffees and roasts as well as coffee shops,” he said.
Arroyave emphasized the importance of community when offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Networking is key!” he said. At NGLCC, we couldn’t agree more!
Mission
We want to unite people over a cup of coffee and tea. We are all one family! Whether your love of coffee and tea comes from memories of waking up to Grandma’s morning brew that announced breakfast is ready or to fond memories of enjoying a cup with friends.
We at Kikos share the same sentiments and we want to share in your exploration of coffee and tea flavors from different parts of the world.
Our Philosophy
Everyday should be the day to thank those around us. Our family and friends, clients, vendors, colleagues, even those that have challenged us in the way, because thanks to all of them, we are who we are now.
We try to give back to our planet by helping reduce or offset the carbon footprint of our deliveries.
Even though showing appreciation can be enough, we believe that by helping those around us and impacting our communities in a positive way we can achieve great things in society. This is why we created Kikos Coffee & Tea Foundation.
Thank you so much for being part of the Kikos Coffee & Tea family. With your support we have been able to impact hundreds of people in the United States and Colombia.
Certifications
We are proud to be MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Certified. We are LGBTBE® Certified. (Certified LGBT Business Enterprise). Certified Diverse” Supplier, Vendor. Proud Member of Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Our coffee is Fair Trade Certified and our tea is organic certified.
Kikos Coffee & Tea Foundation
We are partnering with the “Impact-U Foundation” to help educate those in need from vulnerable communities in Colombia. We are active volunteers and also support financially.
“IMPACT-U” helps and contributes to students from vulnerable communities in Colombia. Our goal is to assist them in reaching their educational goals, by providing the financial assistance and educational resources needed to complete the undergraduate program and ultimately obtain a college degree. Promoting personal development helps build a stronger society.
“Voces Latinas” aims to reduce the rate of HIV transmission and violence among immigrant Latinas by empowering, educating, and providing leadership and advocacy training to enable them to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families. Through collaborative relationships, we connect immigrant Latinas with culturally and linguistically sensitive services to address their immediate needs, which allows them to identify with their risk for HIV/AIDS.