Wakhályapí
(Wa-khál-yapí)
Sage-Infused Coffee
Wa-khál-yapí - to heat something up - Lakota language
Wakhályapí is a sage-infused coffee company that uses handpicked prairie sage and coffee bringing balance to your body, mind, and spirit.
I created this product to bring a healthier alternative and promote indigenous knowledge in the world. Now, I see this as an opportunity to give back to my communities through donations, higher education grants, and funding future ventures. This beverage has changed the way we’ve viewed the products in our cupboards and how we are treating our bodies. A holistic view consumers are finding themselves investing in.
I launched my business in 2021 selling directly to Fort Lewis students in the Union building and the various vendor opportunities on campus. Through this I gained the momentum to compete in various business plan competitions such as Fort Lewis’ Hawk Tank Competition, Micro Pitch Competition, AIBL’s National Conference, and CSU Spur’s 1st Annual Food Coalition Business Pitch Competition. My work brought valuable experience and networking opportunities leading to my invitation to panel at different events, mentor entrepreneurs throughout Denver and Southwest Colorado, and judge other upcoming entrepreneurs and their business pitches.
What is Wakhályapí ?
Inevitable Growth
Since I started my higher education at Fort Lewis College, August 2020, I have worked through many different situations that have contributed to my success and growth today by learning the needed skills to conduct business and contribute to what’s at hand in any space while continuing to strengthen any weak points to become the greatest businessman and leader I can.
Specifically highlighting a few my coffee venture activities, I have done the following:
Managed and facilitated projects in collaboration with marketing interns in their practicum course
Developed and presented entire business plans in front of Indigenous, local, and food industry leaders at conferences and local competitions
Participated at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES)
Mentored students on their business plans and presentations
Paneled at the ‘Demystifying Entrepreneurship’ conference hosted by C.U. MBA marketing professors
Sponsored the Todd County High School’s basketball teams during the 2023-24 season
Vendor at Fort Lewis College, AIBL, and local events. This includes seasonal campus events, cultural events, and a MMIW awareness event at Southern Utes cultural center.
The Beginning Of It All
It began my senior year of high school where I started the idea of infusing prairie sage with coffee. It was the beginning of a journey I never thought I’d be on, but I am grateful every day of the opportunities, success, and experiences I’ve gained and continue to share with others.
Now, I am going to finish my bachelor’s, scale Wakhályapí to new levels, and continue finding my purpose in creating a positive impact on our communities.
I hope you see the skills I learned and contribute to my work every day through this short read. Please connect in you have interests, insights, and words of wisdom!