Dreaming BIG with Jim Chapman
Nice Coffee Co. Founder, Jim Chapman, sought an opportunity to make a difference, creating positive social change for students at St John’s primary school in the Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya. After living and experiencing the burden of poverty on the community and school in Kibera Slum, Jim identified ‘access to education’ as a solution to help provide a brighter future for students and families. With compassion, vision and drive, Jim founded the Nice Coffee Co. in 2019, and share his story of pursuing this passion project at our Altitude Day Roadshow on the Gold Coast.
We asked Jim a few questions about dreaming BIG:
What was a dream you had in high school (or Year 9 specifically)?
In year 9 I attended a similar event that focused on entrepreneurship. Ever since then I always wanted to start my own business.
Can you share with us a goal that you have achieved and what it meant to you to achieve it?
In 2019 we set ourselves a goal of building 11 classrooms at our school (St John’s School, Kibera Slum, Kenya) . Within 3 days we had made enough money to cover this cost!
From Left: Andy Bentley (Head of Marketing, Nice Coffee Co.) and Jim Chapman (Founder, Nice Coffee Co.)
Jim talking with a group of students
While chasing dreams there are moments of highs and lows (mountain tops and valleys if you will)… what motivates you to continue chasing that dream when you’re in the valley?
When your goals are greater than yourself, every challenge becomes much easier to overcome. By building ‘purpose’ into my goals, it gives me higher sense of motivation.
What piece of practical advice would you give to young people who want to start, or are in the process of chasing a dream?
Just go for it! You have nothing to lose by jumping into it and having a crack. In the worst case scenario you might fail, but you’ll learn a whole lot along the way.
All dreams, big and small, are valuable. What are 5 dreams you are currently chasing?
Five dreams I’m currently chasing are:
- Building my business into a sustainable, scalable enterprise that can help 1000’s of students in their education.
- To go travelling once our borders open up.
- Raise $50,000 to help our school purchase new land.
- Spend more time with my family. Covid has made me realise the importance of family in my life.
- Learn how to meditate.
