The Story

Classroom Coffee was founded by four students in Chappaqua, NY (with parental approval, of course). They'd always had an entrepreneurial itch, and coffee represents the lemonade stand's next evolution. But instead of a boring biography, here's a quick Q&A with the gang:

Why did you start Classroom Coffee?

Callum: We wanted to learn how to make a business and sell a product...

Nikko: ... and make a little money.

Sarianna: We want to help the teachers in the school system.

Charlie: I like Starbucks (laughs).

Did you have prior business experience?

Nikko: I have a job with a neighbor where I walk his dog and feed his dog, and I also used to sell photos and drawings to people at my grandpa's non-profit. 

Callum: I ran a candy business selling to the kids after school every Friday.

Sarianna: No I don't. Classroom Coffee is my first big adventure. It's pretty fun.

Charlie: Chores! Feed the dog. Also, mini monsters (crafts) sales. 

How is Classroom Coffee different?

Nikko: We run the business. We go door to door to sell the product. We also have to make the product and a website and not just make a drawing and sell it. 

Callum: At Classroom Coffee we go to them to sell. In my candy business, my customers came to me. 

Sarianna: (shrugs)

Charlie: It's more fun.

What is the most interesting or rewarding thing about your experience?

Nikko: I can go with my business partners and brother and sister and sell to real businesses that are in the market. When we make a big sale (it's rewarding). 

Callum: The most interesting thing is roasting the coffee! It's rewarding to sell alot of coffee too. 

Sarianna: Seeing if people want to buy from us, or going to stores and see what they say is interesting. The most rewarding... what makes me happy is probably donating to the schools and teachers to enjoy. 

Charlie: Friends. [can you elaborate?] Working with friends.

What is the most challenging thing about it?

Nikko: Going up to a business and giving them the pitch.

Callum: Selling to businesses or people door to door.

Sarianna: Remembering the sales pitch.

Charlie: Lot of walking (laughs).

And what have you learned?

Callum: You need to have a product people want. I also learned that coffee starts as a red cherry type fruit and you have to take off the outside and dry the seed, and then you roast it. 

Nikko: You have to be enthusiastic to sell your product. Coffee is a commodity and it can be made where it has the correct climate. And it's a very popular drink. 

Sarianna: Coffee comes from a plant. 

Charlie: Umm, I like coffee. [you learned that you like coffee?]. Yes (laughs).

Why are Classroom Coffee values important to you?

Nico: Classroom Coffee lets us give back to the community and learn about