A "KNOWN SUPPLIER" is an organization, individual, or company that we work with who shares our sustainable & ethical values to create custom merchandise to further their mission.
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Neat Coffee is a business we have rooted for since its inception over 10 years ago. Their community-centered approach to business and the quality of their specialty coffee drinks is immediately made evident when you walk through their doors and are greeted with a warm smile and welcoming environment.
Although she would try to deflect any & all praise, we can't help but point to their amazing founder Ally Garvin as the epicenter of this warmth and experience. Ally has used her business to serve the Costa Mesa community in countless ways, and we're happy to report that her efforts are expanding through new shop locations and experiences.
When we were designing an apron for our customizable collection, we made them with Neat Coffee in mind. And as you'll see from the photos, it was a match made in heaven.
Here are a few words from Neat Coffee's founder Ally...
What was your original inspiration for starting Neat?
My love for coffee began while visiting a coffee farm in Uganda, which inspired me to lean into my passion for hospitality to create a space for people to connect. Because coffee is a daily commodity in many people's lives and naturally draws people together, I set out to build a coffee shop centered around community.
What have been the most gratifying parts of creating this community?
It's the best to watch customers turn into friends over time and then become the ones who invite others in. The Neat community is made of deep connections but it is also a place where weak-tie relationships thrive. These daily low-intensity social interactions significantly impact our well-being and perceived sense of social support. I’m proud to create spaces where connections are made and new relationships are formed.
Being an entrepreneur has endless challenges. What helps you to push through & keep creating?
Over the past decade, there’s been many reasons I’ve kept going despite the endless problem solving, fixing, pivoting, and financial challenges. At times it’s been the only way to pay off debt and other seasons I’ve been excited to see just how far I can push myself. But I’m always coming back to my why and feel most alive and aligned when I’m focused on the amazing people who make Neat what it is. Building a community is truly a reward in itself.
Neat just opened a second location in Sunset Beach? Is there more on the horizon?
As a matter of fact, yes! We'll be opening another location at Lions Park this summer! It's just down the street from our Costa Mesa location and we are thrilled to partner with the city and library to host fun events on the lawn and flood that campus with life.
You were the first person we thought of when we created our heavyweight, organic cotton apron. What is your team loving about it?
With customizable colors and options for embroidery & screenprinting, these aprons fit our brand so much better than the thin generic black ones we had in the past. We love that these aprons are thick and durable and look amazing too.
