MISSION

Our Mission:

At Coffee for the Arts, we're driven by two passions: roasting the freshest specialty-grade coffee and loose-leaf tea while supporting arts education for underserved youth.

We dedicate 5% of our profits to arts programs in underserved communities. Research shows that arts education not only levels the playing field across socio-economic boundaries but also improves student retention and reduces the achievement gap. Unfortunately, students in high-poverty schools often have the least access to arts instruction.

By enjoying our high-quality coffee or tea, you help make a meaningful impact on these children's lives. Together, we can bring the benefits of arts education to those who need it most.

Thanks for supporting the arts and our small business!

- Rob & Shelby

 

Rob's Story:

I've been blessed to have made a career out of using my creativity. I will say, the road to where I am now wasn't easy. I grew up poor. My four siblings and I lived with my mom in a rough part of town in Long Beach, California. If there was some type of low income living assistance program, we were on it. Everything from Section 8, food stamps, the occasional holiday handouts, and so on. And to top it off, the education system at the time wasn't great and I had nothing but negative influences in the streets around me. I felt lost and without a North Star. All I knew is that I loved to draw, paint, and use my imagination. Luckily for me, I had an art teacher (thank you Ms. Charvet) who believed in me. I was able to land a full scholarship at The Art Institute and the rest is history. Now, I'm an Executive Creative Director working for some of the biggest brands in the world. Some days I look around at my coworkers and think, I'm not supposed to be here.

 

Shelby's Story:

 

I'm an entrepreneur, father, soccer enthusiast, and sustainability advocate based in El Paso, TX, with a background in recruiting, solar energy, and now coffee!

I launched my recruiting career in 2004 while simultaneously developing solar energy companies from 2006. My passion for the environment has led me to serve on various nonprofit boards, including the US Green Building Council West Texas, USGBC Texas, Solar San Antonio, and currently Eco El Paso.

I've contributed to high-growth companies globally, such as Roku, Dell, USAA, and Rackspace Hosting. Currently, I'm a Lead Recruiter at Roku Inc. I hold an MBA and BBA from the Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University of San Antonio, where I also played NCAA Division 2 Men’s Soccer.