Steve and Joanie Wynn, the dynamic duo behind Kona Earth, have embarked on an incredible journey that’s seen them transition from a successful 30-year career in the entertainment industry to the lush coffee fields of Hawaii’s Big Island.
With their Emmy award-winning production company, Bayside Entertainment, they globe-trotted, producing everything from documentaries to marketing videos for industry giants like Sony and Lucasfilm. Yet, their restless spirits yearned for a fresh challenge and adventure.
Their dream of making Hawaii their permanent home led them to an unexpected but exciting path – coffee farming. As Steve and Joanie delved into the world of Kona coffee, they discovered a passion for cultivating and roasting coffee beans on their own terms.
But Kona Earth is not just about coffee; it’s about giving back. Steve and Joanie established “Care In Every Cup,” a program that donates a percentage of every purchase to the Kohala Center, a non-profit dedicated to preserving fragile ecosystems. The Wynns are not just growing coffee; they’re cultivating a community and nurturing the land with sustainable farming practices.
We chat with Joanie and Steve Wynn about:
- Insights into what inspired the major life shift and how it transformed perspectives on work and life.
- Influences from previous experience in promoting philanthropy and volunteerism on the approach to coffee farming and the “Care In Every Cup” program.
- Notable challenges and rewards in making the transition to coffee farming and starting the “Care In Every Cup” initiative.
- How the move to Hawaii and life as coffee farmers aligns with values and a vision for a simpler, more meaningful existence.
- Insights into sustainable farming methods and eco-friendly initiatives implemented at Kona Earth.
- Reflections on profound moments and lessons learned during the journey from the production business to a serene lifestyle of coffee farming in Hawaii.
- Joanie and Steve answer our “Fast 5 Questions” and the question we ask all of our guests, “What does a life well lived mean to you?
Listen Here:
Episode resources:
- Joanie and Steve’s Website: Kona Earth
- Follow Kona Earth: Instagram, Facebook
- Kona Earth YouTube Channel: Tickle the Farm Dog: A Day in the Life
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