The Story Behind Nawalee

Great coffee has a way of slowing things down.

It’s part of a morning routine. A pause between meetings. A small ritual that feels noticeably better when the coffee is done well. If you’ve ever had a cup that felt more satisfying than expected, you already understand what we’re trying to protect.

Nawalee exists to make those everyday moments feel more connected—to the coffee itself, to where it comes from, and to the people and craft behind it.

I’m Randy, founder of Nawalee. Long before I embarked on this journey, coffee was a way for me to stay connected to my roots. That connection deepened when I visited a coffee farm in the highlands of Guatemala—my homeland—and spent time learning about how coffee is grown, harvested, and cared for long before it ever reaches a roaster.

What I learned there changed how I understood coffee.

Flavor isn’t just created during roasting or brewing. It’s shaped by land and climate, by tradition and local knowledge, and by decisions made over generations. It’s also influenced by realities farmers live with every day—weather, timing, economics, and uncertainty—all of which leave a real imprint on the final cup.

That experience is what inspired me to start the business.

As the brand grew under its former name, Happi Coffee, another realization followed. While the coffee itself reflected depth and care, the brand didn’t fully express why that mattered—or how closely flavor is tied to origin, people, and craft. The decision to rebrand became an opportunity to look deeper and build something that aligned more honestly with those values.

That’s what led us to Nawalee.

The name comes from the Mayan concept of the Nawal—a guiding spirit that connects people to the world around them. We were drawn to it because it reflects how we believe coffee should show up in your life: grounded, connected, and quietly meaningful, without demanding attention or explanation.

Our symbol, the resplendent quetzal, carries that idea forward. In Mayan tradition, it represents freedom and the living energy of the natural world. For us, it’s a reminder that every coffee has a voice shaped by its origin—and that our role is to respect that voice through thoughtful sourcing, careful roasting, and clarity in how we share it with you.

Nawalee isn’t about changing what you drink. It’s about making it easier to understand why it tastes the way it does—and helping you enjoy coffee that reflects real places, real people, and real craft, on your terms.

So when you brew a cup, our hope isn’t just that it tastes good. It’s that it fits naturally into your day, feels considered without being complicated, and carries a quiet connection to the origin and care behind it—whether that’s a slow morning, a creative reset, or a shared moment with people you care about.

Thanks for being here.

—
Randy
Founder, Nawalee Coffee
(formerly Happi Coffee)