Advocate Spotlight: Skyler Richter and Rugged Coffee
Many of our advocates come together time and time again to support Dressember and bring an end to human trafficking. We are endlessly encouraged by the ways that advocates step up and get creative with their advocacy not just in December, but year round! Today we are excited to share a company that supports Dressember on an ongoing basis, Rugged Coffee.
Rugged Coffee was founded by Skyler Richter in 2016. When Skyler heard about the reality of trafficking about 10 years ago, he, like many others, felt drawn to take part in the fight against it in some way. Now, he uses his business to support this fight all year long. Skyler runs Rugged Coffee, a specialty coffee provider on the move, catering events such as weddings, parties and more with a coffee cart and a whole lot of dedication.
Skyler began working in specialty coffee at the age of 18 in Orange County, California. Since then, he has created lasting relationships in the world of coffee and desires to create the perfect cup. He partners with local coffee roasters and dedicates his time to creating unique syrups in order to serve the best of the best at the events that he caters.
He brings his coffee services to you by bringing his own coffee cart and serving your guests. Rugged Coffee creates unique syrups such as Oreo, Apple Pie and Lavender Vanilla. Everything about Rugged Coffee is mindful -- from where their coffee beans are sourced to what they support financially. 10% of every dollar that comes in to Rugged Coffee goes to support Dressember to support trafficking survivors.
Additionally, Skyler uses what he has to advocate on a day-to-day basis. He takes this beyond his business and into other areas of his life by being mindful of where he shops and what companies he supports. For example, Skyler can often be seen wearing a Dressember bowtie at events. Similar to the way that dresses and ties serve as conversation starters during the Dressember Style Challenge, this bow tie serves to start conversation with those he serves. This is one way to continue to spread awareness of trafficking, and something we can all take into our own lives.
If there is one thing we can all learn from Skyler and Rugged Coffee, it is that we can each use what we have to support the fight against trafficking. He began his coffee business, felt drawn to support the fight against trafficking and then used what he had to do so, and that is something each of us can do! Whether it be shopping local, donating our finances or wearing clothing that sparks conversation surrounding trafficking -- we all have a role in this fight.
About the Author
Shannon Haupert is originally from the West Coast and is now navigating life in New York City. You can find her anywhere with a journal in one hand and snacks in the other. She is passionate about sustainability, human rights, and creativity. When she's not writing, she spends her time working as a nanny, exploring the city, and drinking far too much coffee along the way.