We had the good fortune of connecting with Colette Huxtable and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Colette, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The journey to owning my own business and becoming a coffee roaster has been an incredible and transformative experience. One of the most profound lessons I’ve gleaned on my journey is the importance of authenticity. I’ve devoted a significant amount of time to trying to decipher the “right way” to shape my business, often attempting to mold it based on what seems to be the prevailing approach in the industry.

Over time, I’ve come to realize that the right way is, in fact, the way that aligns with my individual style and vision. I’ve learned to let go of the need to conform and allow my business to organically find its own path, even if it deviates from the norm. This has enabled me to embrace my unique self and understand that this lesson applies not just in my professional life but in my personal life as well.

Being authentic, to me, doesn’t mean creating a business and products that cater to everyone’s tastes and preferences, which is an improbable goal. Instead, I’ve come to appreciate that being authentic means sharing genuinely what I love about coffee with those who resonate with my passion. It’s a liberating realization, and it’s been the most remarkable lesson of my journey – understanding that everything I need is within me, just as it is within all of us.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We take immense pride in being a specialty coffee roasting company, where our commitment to quality is unwavering. Specializing in this field means we adhere to a higher standard of excellence when it comes to the coffee beans we roast. We carefully select beans with exceptional natural flavor profiles, ensuring that when they are roasted, our customers can savor those delightful flavors in their cups of delicious coffee. Our mission is to deliver the utmost quality and exquisite taste. We’re an ideal choice for any business seeking to provide something exceptional to its customers.

A core aspect of our philosophy is our deep-seated passion for health and well-being. This is why we make it a point to source organically grown coffee beans. When we offer decaffeinated coffee, we opt for Swiss water-processed beans to ensure a chemical-free decaffeination process. While we haven’t pursued official organic certification yet due to the associated costs, our priority remains that the beans have been cultivated organically by certified farmers.

The name “Chemistry Coffee” is partly inspired by my inner science nerd. Yet, our greatest passion lies in the joy of sharing special moments over a cup of coffee with friends and family. Our motto, “Love coffee, love people,” lies at the heart of our company. We believe that coffee has a unique way of fostering connections and creating chemistry between individuals. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and take immense pleasure in partnering with fundraisers for various causes such as sports, events, and schools.

I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’ve developed a teaching program designed to educate high school students about the fascinating worlds of coffee roasting and entrepreneurship. This program is set to launch in the Fall of 2024, and the anticipation is building. I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to nurture and guide young adults, hopefully igniting their passion and inspiring them to explore their own entrepreneurial dreams. It’s a project that’s very close to my heart, and I can’t wait to embark on this journey with the students.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being in Queen Creek, I would totally take them to San Tan Flats on an evening with live music so we could dance and enjoy fantastic ribs! They have the individual spaces for making your own fire to sit next to and roast marshmallows. We would go for a morning hike at San Tan Mountain Regional Park and get delicious brunch at The Olive mill. I would have to check if Horseshoe Equestrian Park has any events going on, especially for horse shows or a rodeo. I love how Queen Creek is a growing town but with a rural feel, especially with so many properties having animals like horses, cows and chickens.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to the Santizo Realty Team, led by Kristin and Sergio Santizo. Their journey in building this business over the years has been nothing short of inspiring. Beyond being family, they have been a tremendous source of motivation and encouragement as I ventured into the world of business. Sergio’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his visionary outlook, has been instrumental in helping me broaden my horizons and see the bigger picture.

Kristin, on the other hand, is an administrative genius and an exceptional implementor. Her ability to set up systems and translate the vision into action is truly commendable. Both Kristin and Sergio exude unwavering character and integrity, consistently choosing the path that serves the best interests of their clients.

I can’t express enough gratitude for the times they’ve mentored me, provided encouragement, and sparked inspiration within me. I treasure every lesson and piece of wisdom I’ve gained from them. Their influence continues to propel me forward, opening doors to greater levels of growth and possibility. Thank you, Kristin and Sergio, for being such an integral part of my journey.

Website: http://www.ChemistryCoffeeRoasting.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chemistrycoffeeroasting/?next=%2F

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chemistrycoffeeroasting

Image Credits
Joni Harding Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.