Making a Change, One Coffee Bean at a Time
Story by Patricia Hudson
Note from the Editor: I attended a Cy Fair Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast at Blackhorse Golf Course a few weeks ago, where everyone had an opportunity to speak on behalf of their business or non-profit. A slightly nervous young man stood up and introduced himself as Hasan Rangwala, the Co-Founder and Operations Director of Yemen Coffee at Al-Zahra. He spoke briefly, but eloquently, of his vision to help the people of Yemen rise from poverty and addiction to a narcotic derived from the Khat shrub, by selling rich, high quality Yemeni coffee in the United States. While his goal was lofty, I was astounded to learn that this entrepreneur was just a few days from his 16th birthday.
Hasan and his brother, Hussain, 13, are international travelers. Their parents, Amir and Zahra, encourage them to develop a more global picture of the world. “They are so entitled in the United States that we think it crucial that they learn about life outside of their own,” shares Zahra. A trip to Yemen several years ago, and one to Egypt this summer made such an impact on Hasan, that he was spurred to action upon returning to Houston.
“While I was in Egypt, I made friends with a boy my age. He told me that he had escaped the war in Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the Middle East, and in the world, and had come to Egypt in search of an education and a better life. I was shocked that he had left his parents, and had made the dangerous journey alone! He told me that the best, the richest coffee in the world was grown in Yemen. I took it as a sign from God that I should help these people. Despite their geopolitical instability, I was determined to help the farmers by bringing their coffee to America.
I asked my brother, Hussain, to be my business partner. My parents, Amir and Zahra Rangwala, were both very happy and supported my entrepreneurship, as well as my cause. They immediately asked me to put a business plan together and started conversations to facilitate the entire supply chain management, along with a plan of action for marketing.
My father, a petro-physicist with a major Houston oil company, is my financial hub and support. My mother has assisted me in putting the entire marketing campaign together. Eager to help, my mom built the website design and development, e-commerce to sell online, social media marketing, and the execution of an optimization plan to build nationwide awareness.” (Zahra Rangwala owns and operates a boutique digital agency which provides marketing, e-commerce, and logistical support to businesses in Houston and nationwide). The brothers selected the name Al-Zahra as the brand name for their coffee, in honor of their mother. “We launched our website on August 1st,” comments Hasan.
When asked what steps were in the works to grow the business, he explained, “There is a greater need for building awareness about Yemeni coffee, and getting Yemen back on the map for coffee drinkers.” How will he do this? “By providing free samples so that people can try and compare the rich and flavorful coffee beans to the ones they are drinking now!”
Global travelers, the Rangwala family has visited India, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, The United Kingdom, Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania, to name just a few countries. Two years ago, they were able to witness the poverty in Yemen for themselves. “Due to the political instability in Yemen, it is no longer feasible to travel there,” states Hasan. “After looking at slums and the conditions in many developing countries, I have learned to always be grateful that my family lives in the USA, a land of freedom and opportunity, that I should never complain and take basic necessities for granted, and as much as possible, help human kind around the globe.”
Hasan is a sophomore at Bridgeland High School where he has distinguished himself academically, loves science and history, and is a member of the Health Occupation Student Association, (HOSA). He plans to start body building as his next extracurricular activity.
The teen’s vision for the future includes becoming a successful pediatrician, and dedicating some of his time to helping those that cannot afford medical care. Dedicated, driven, and with the support of his parents, Hasan plans to continue growing his business while pursuing his medical career.
Hussain is a 7th grader at Smith Middle School. Their sister, Alefiyah, age 6, attends Pope Elementary.
To learn more about Al-Zahra Coffee or to support these young entrepreneurs, go to: www.yemencoffeeonline.com
Hasan Rangwala
Co-Founder &
Operations Director at Al-Zahra
YemenCoffeeOnline.com
(Coffee For a Motivation)
Direct: +1 832 616 6565
Office: +1 832 533 2620
hasan@yemencoffeeonline.com
www.yemencoffeeonline.com
