In 2012, while traveling through Tanzania, I met Doug. Little did I know that our paths would cross again a decade later, and I’d have the incredible opportunity to help tell the story of coffee—a journey that had started long before we reconnected. Doug’s brand, Black Kahawa, is the result of years spent building meaningful relationships with Tanzanian coffee farmers and exporting their beans to the U.S. and Germany. When Doug shared his vision of creating content to highlight the origins of Black Kahawa and the dedicated farmers behind it, I was thrilled to be part of the project.
This shoot combined two of my greatest passions: travel and coffee. It took me to Lunji Coffee Farm in Mbeya, Tanzania, where I joined Doug and Paul, the farm’s owner. Paul and his wonderful family warmly welcomed us as we spent the next two days immersing ourselves in the world of coffee production, capturing its essence through photos and videos.
Day one was spent exploring the breathtaking Lunji Coffee Farm, where we followed the journey of coffee from the ground up. We learned about every step of the process: preparing the soil, nurturing the plants, growing and harvesting the beans, and the intricate work of cleaning, sorting, roasting, packaging, and exporting. Each stage revealed the incredible dedication and craftsmanship involved in producing high-quality coffee. Witnessing it firsthand was an unforgettable experience.
On the second day, we ventured beyond Lunji to visit smaller, local coffee farms. These farmers pool their crops and sell them through a cooperative, creating a vital support system for their community. Listening to their stories and capturing their lives and work was both humbling and inspiring. The beauty of their farms and the sheer effort behind every bean brought a new level of appreciation for what it takes to produce a single cup of coffee.
Back home, I spent two weeks editing the images and video clips to create a cohesive visual narrative for Black Kahawa. The content we produced has since been used across various platforms, including video advertisements, print materials, and online media. It’s been incredible to see the origin story come to life through these visuals. Black Kahawa has even opened its own coffee shop in Columbus, Ohio, continuing to strengthen the bond between Doug’s team and the amazing farmers in Tanzania.
This project was more than just a shoot; it was a privilege to play a small role in a story of connection, craftsmanship, and community. I’m so proud to see Black Kahawa thrive and to know that the hard work and dedication of Tanzanian farmers are being celebrated and shared with the world.
