Once upon a time a girl bought a Dollar Coffee Club. She was excited because she loves coffee and special drinks, and this company actually offered all healthy varieties at very reasonable prices. “What a fantastic opportunity to introduce people to delicious drinks that actually offer great health benefits!” thought the girl.
She and her husband prayed about what they had learned. She researched the ingredients, experienced wonderful results after just a few days of drinking the beverages herself, and she looked forward to the opportunity to tell her friends about the wonderful ways these products could benefit people’s health! And so she started telling her friends. All the while, she prayed for wisdom, discernment, and guidance.
Emails flooded in as people wanted to learn more. Many said things like, “Healthy coffee? A drink to help regulate my blood sugar and curb sugar cravings? A natural and simple way to get my digestive system regulated? How exciting! Can you help me learn more?” Yes, it was just what the girl had hoped. She was able to help people!
But not everyone was excited. Some became concerned and even angry. After all, the girl had never shared anything like this before. What it a scheme? Did the girl have ulterior motives? Had she thought this through? Was she using people?
So the girl took a step back and prayed again for wisdom and understanding, asking God to make it clear once more that this was from Him. She took time to listen and reflect. She consulted with wise and trusted friends. And once again, she knew God was telling her that this was good, that she was doing right, and that God was a part of all of it.
Dear Friends,
It is important for me to assure you that I have not shared Javita with you so that I could take advantage of my blog audience, rise to the top of a company, and “get rich.” Not one word have I shared without first praying. I tried and quickly fell in love with the products, saw that the business was simple and easy to become a part of with a very small investment, joined without hesitation, and started telling you about it!
But would you believe, this thing that I’m sharing is a Direct Sales company? I know! I didn’t see it coming either. But just because it’s different, doesn’t mean it’s bad. Just because it’s unexpected doesn’t mean it’s wrong. I hope you know that my heart is constantly in search of God’s will and never would I step in front of you with a plan to take advantage of your trust.
If you’ve ever bought a product from Usborne Books, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Norwex, Mary Kay, and/or any other direct sales company you’re familiar with, hopefully you simply enjoyed doing business with a friend while acquiring a great product along the way! If you’re going to buy a product anyway, why not support a friend who has knowledge of the product? If your friend makes a commission selling you the product, then it’s a win-win!
And to be specific about Javita, if you’re going to buy coffee and tea anyway, why not purchase a beneficial, healthy product from a person you know instead of corporate Starbucks or even a grocery store chain? If you’re used to buying Gatorade, Crystal Light, or any other sweetened beverage that does very little to benefit and quite a bit to harm (all of which are companies you’re supporting with your dollar anytime you make a purchase), why not put that money toward a product that encourages good health?
I’ve still got the recipes and the ridiculousness and the real life encouragement to share! I just also happen to sell healthy coffee now. In addition to all the normal posts I will continue to write, I’ll probably say something about Javita once in a while as I learn more and discover more of the goodness. But if you want to skip those posts, just like you skip any of my posts that don’t interest you, that is absolutely fine!
I am here to assure you that my heart is in the right place and the business side of Javita is legit. It’s as legit as Thirty-One Gifts and Lu-La-Roe. I think it is great that God provides opportunities like this for people that want flexible work hours that will benefit their families! As for me, I will continue following God’s lead each day to run this business as He guides.
If you want a chance to enjoy these great drinks I’ve learned to love and/or have a chance to share with people about a product you love and that you have benefited from, then by all means pray about God’s direction for you in this. Keep the questions coming, or scroll right on past, and be fully assured that my cup of coffee and I are completely content with whatever you choose! :)
I applaud you for standing up for what you believe in. Like you said, if someone isn’t interested in what you are saying, they can just scroll on by! I had tried Javta several years ago so I know what you are so excited about.
(I sell 31 Gifts and have found direct sales is a great way to establish new relationships.). Good luck on your new venture.
I am glad you posted this. To be honest, I was quite surprised when you started pumping this coffee company so heavily on your blog. I am kind of turned off by the idea and posts. Just being honest.
I don’t come here for those types of advertisements…nor any other blog. We get way too much of that in ordinary everyday life. I come to read blog to enjoy other’s words, experiences, and guidance.
With all that being said, it is your blog and thats ok. You do you, what makes you happy. Those of us who aren’t interested have a mouse scroller.
I am so excited for you and your new venture, Laura! Family businesses once were the norm, and way-of -life for most American families, but sadly, our families became fractured by going different directions with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Fathers went off to work all day and children went off to school.
No longer did we have time to “do life” together as families, and have time to disciple our children like we are called to do. I firmly believe that home/family businesses and home education are a way that we can return to the “old paths” where families can live, learn, work, and worship together in daily life.
“You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.” -Deut. 11:19
I appreciate your thoughts and am happy for you in this new venture. I’m be scrolling past this topic though and will continue to love your other posts!
Sorry to hear you are getting flak for selling coffee, Laura. As long as you are following God’s will that is what matters! And who knows, someone may benefit from you sharing this opportunity. Personally, if I don’t want to read about something a blog is promoting, I just scroll past. You have the right to offer whatever products you want and are comfortable with. I will usually check out something that a blog is selling and then move on:) I think Javita sounds like an awesome product. One that I won’t purchase personally, but is great to know is out there in case I ever need/want it. That is one of the wonderful things about blogs and the internet in general. There is just SO much out there that sometimes we need the help of others to bring it to our attention! Best of luck in your coffee shop venture!
When you think about it, it’s not that different from other ways a blogger makes money – through ads, affiliate links, free products to review, etc. I guess it’s okay with people to be the “product” sold to the companies buying ads and doing giveaways and stuff, but not okay to buy a delicious product to enjoy. ???? (I know you don’t think of your readers as a product, have always felt you were/are sincere, and don’t begrudge you making money from blogging or whatever else you pursue because your time is valuable and kids need to eat!)
Anyone who’s read your blog for a while should have noticed that you’re also an Amazon affiliate and that you also sell your self-written curriculum, faith-study, cookbooks, and other such materials. Selling another product through your blog shouldn’t have been a stunner to regular readers.
I have un-followed blogs when the bulk of the content became nothing but poorly-veiled ads or re-directs to other sales sites. It just becomes phony and insincere. But I think you’ve done a great job through the years keeping your content relevant and full of the tips, recipes, stories about your home life, and inspirational words that we cherish. As long as it stays that way, I’m going to remain a loyal reader!
Maybe I haven’t checked in that much with the busy summer, but I never thought what you’ve mentioned about Javita as overkill. I am intrigued by the idea, but not enough to actually make a purchase (it takes me a long time to decide if something is worth the cost.) I have purchased your cookbooks over the years and always thought they were a good value. Anyway, I think it is great that you are selling coffee. I, too, am a fan of small business. I trust your judgment and know you won’t be overbearing. Please share when you think it is right. I might try a cup someday.
Does javita have kosher certification?
Does javita ship internationally?
Where can I see a complete product list?
Yes, all Javita drinks are kosher certified! They do ship internationally! If you click on http://www.myjavita.com/lauracoppinger, then on “Experience the Products” then on “Order Now” you can see the countries Javita ships to. Once you select your country, you can see all the products. OR, once you click on http://www.myjavita.com/lauracoppinger, if you click on “Our Products” at the top, then you can look through the specifics of all the products and their ingredients. Let me know if you have any more questions I an help with!
Over the years you have shared a great many healthy products and kitchen products you love and use. I fail to see why sharing this healthy product you love is any different. I don’t understand why some people feel the need to be hateful to someone they have never met about something that is none of their business. Keep ya head up and do what’s best for you and your family, because that is and should be your main focus, and please don’t let ridiculous comments from rude strangers get to you.