“What is Artisanal Blends by E2?”
"Where exceptional coffee meets impactful change."
"Artisanal Blends by E2 is not just a coffee brand—it’s a way for you to express your values and be part of meaningful change in the community."
Our coffee is crafted with precision and passion, from cultivating the finest beans to grinding them to perfection, ensuring every sip delivers a refined and exquisite experience.
But we are more than just exceptional coffee.
When you choose Artisanal Blends by E2, you empower us to be your reach in the community, supporting causes like social justice and reform, education and youth empowerment, mental health and wellness, environmental sustainability, or nominating a cause close to your heart.
Artisanal Blends by E2 stands for more than just luxury.
We believe in sustainability, fair trade, and the stories that each coffee bean tells.
Through our blends, we aim to celebrate building a strong, supportive community, inspire resilience and fuel positive transformation in every corner
of life.
Behind the Brand
The logo for Artisanal Blends by E2 is more than just a visual—it’s a deeply personal reflection of my journey and the diverse experiences that have shaped this venture.
To capture the essence of this story, I worked with a promising painter from Xing Studios LLC, whose work has been featured in art galleries. Her artistic touch was crucial in exploring how personal and meaningful this logo needed to be.
The logo features three representations of myself, all enjoying a moment over coffee in a park.
On the left, there's a version of me that represents the risk-taker—the one who understands the power of resilience, overcoming challenges, and going after what you want in life. In the middle stands the businessperson, dressed in a suit, embodying my strategic thinking, focus, and commitment to making smart, thoughtful decisions.
Finally, on the right is another side of me—grounded, reflective, and mindful, balancing the insights from both experiences.
The creation of this logo, like the coffee itself, is a true work of art—carefully crafted with intention, just as our coffee blends are sourced and curated.
Together, these versions of myself remind me of the unique perspectives I bring to this new endeavor.
I draw from all aspects of my life—my past experiences, my business acumen, and my authentic self—to bring Artisanal Blends by E2 to life.
Each part of this journey plays a vital role, fueling the passion and purpose behind the brand.
Story of Resilience: From the Fields to a Fresh Brew
Introduction
Born in the vibrant landscapes of Cameroon, Emmanuel Etoo (E2) grew up with dreams as vast as the savannas.
Immigrating to the United States with his family at a young age, he embraced a new culture and a new
sport—American football. This is a story of transformation, from the
highs of athletic achievement to the lows of incarceration, and ultimately, to the rebirth of a passionate entrepreneur in the world of coffee.
Early Life and Football Dreams
In Cameroon, life revolved around community, family, and the traditions of the land.
Emmanuel's family moved to the U.S. seeking better opportunities, settling in Prince George’s County Maryland where Emmanuel discovered football.
His natural athleticism and determination quickly made him a good player for Eleanor Roosevelt high school, earning him a scholarship to play college football at Bowie State University.
The Fall
Life took a harsh turn when Emmanuel got entangled in the wrong crowd.
A single mistake resulted in a felony conviction in 2018.
Sentenced to prison, his football dreams shattered.
The Coffee Revelation
Prison life was harsh and monotonous, but Emmanuel noticed something intriguing: coffee.
Every morning, prisoners would gather around with their mugs, savoring the momentary escape that the dark brew offered.
It was in these moments, sipping coffee and listening to the stories of fellow inmates, that Emmanuel found solace and a spark of inspiration.
He became fascinated with the different types of coffee and the comfort it brought to those around him. This curiosity grew into a passion.
Coffee became more than a beverage; it became a symbol of solace.
Crafting a Legacy of Purpose
Upon his release in 2020, Emmanuel stepped into the role of administrator for his family’s newly founded healthcare company, Elites Care LLC, which had only been in operation for two and a half years.
Quality and Compassionate care was a core standard of the business, and Emmanuel ensured that this principle was consistently enforced across all operations.
Through his innovative approach,
the young company quickly grew, laying a strong foundation for future success.
Building on this momentum, Emmanuel ventured into the trucking industry, founding Legion Legend LLC, where he swiftly hired a team of drivers and expanded operations. With each business endeavor, Emmanuel demonstrated his ability to seize
opportunities and turn them into thriving ventures.
While searching for his next venture, a close friend encouraged Emmanuel to explore the idea of reselling coffee from established brands. However, what many didn’t realize was that this idea awakened something much deeper for him.
Emmanuel’s journey with coffee began in an unexpected place, and it had grown into a passion that held special, personal meaning. Inspired by this renewed connection, he realized that simply reselling existing brands wouldn’t be enough.
He wanted to take it a step further—this time, it wasn’t just about starting another business.
It was about creating something truly unique, something that reflected his own story of resilience and transformation.
With the support of his family, friends, and reignited passion, Emmanuel set out to buildArtisanal Blends by E2.
He envisioned a coffee brand that would not only offer exceptional taste but would also tell a story—a story of perseverance, redemption,
and the pursuit of excellence in every cup.
The Birth of “Artisanal Blends by E2”
Origin of the Name: "The name originated as I pondered how to encapsulate the meticulous care and passion invested in cultivating the coffee beans, grinding them to perfection to eliminate any potential impurities, and then carefully packaging them for exquisite consumption.
I reflected on how an artist, a sculptor for example, meticulously prepares and takes time when crafting a sculpture.
I have heard stories of sculptors restarting their works even when nearly complete due to a minor flaw or imperfection.
That is when the word "Artisan" came to mind, as it is often used to describe a master sculptor.
From that moment, I knew I would incorporate the word "artisan" into my brand to represent the production process of the coffee from the manufacturers and to embody what my brand is truly about.
This was the birth of the name "Artisanal Blends by E2."
Emmanuel poured his heart into creating Artisanal Blends by E2, sourcing beans from reputable growers and experts from Colombia.
His brand emphasized quality, fair trade, and a connection to the rich heritage behind cultivating quality coffee.
Each blend was crafted to perfection, reflecting his journey and the diverse flavors of the beloved bean.
***Artisan (according to Merriam-Webster)***:
A person or company that makes a high-quality or distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods.
Emmanuel’s dream and goal is for proceeds from sales to be used for efforts advocating for prison reform, second chances/re-entry programs and youth outreach programs, using his platform to inspire others who have faced or are facing similar struggles.
He wants his coffee company to become a symbol of hope, showing that even from the darkest places, one can rise and create something beautiful.
Today, Emmanuel's story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of second chances, and the transformative power of passion.
His coffee not only warms the soul but also carries a message of hope and perseverance, proving that no matter where you come from or the mistakes you've made, it's never too late to start anew.
Artisanal Blends by E2 is not just a brand; it's a testament to the belief that true passion can turn adversity into opportunity.
Every bean is infused with the strength of overcoming obstacles and the courage to start anew.
As you savor the rich, bold flavors, remember that with every sip, you're sharing in the power of redemption and the joy of a fresh start.
Here's to new beginnings where “Every sip supports a fresh start”.
Your Purchase, Your Impact
How the Contribution Process Works
1. Make a Purchase :
Each time you complete a purchase, you’ll be invited to participate in our impact survey.
2. Cast Your Vote :
After checkout, you can choose one of the following areas to direct proceeds(at no additional cost to you)
Social Injustice & Reform: Supports programs focused on prison reform, re-entry initiatives, and criminal justice advocacy.
Education & Youth Empowerment: Funds scholarships and after-school programs for underserved communities.
Mental Health & Wellness: Supports mental health initiatives providing access to essential services.
Environmental Sustainability Projects: Funding projects that promote sustainable living and protect our planet.
3. Tracking Progress :
We provide updates on how close we are to reaching our donation milestones. Each milestone unlocks funds that will be directed to the cause with the most votes.
4. Donation Milestones :
For every 500 products sold, a set portion of proceeds
will be donated to the cause with the most votes during that sales
period. This ensures that as the brand grows, so does our collective
impact.
5. Transparency & Impact Reports :
We are committed to transparency. At the end of each quarter, we publish an Impact Report detailing the donations made, the progress of each funded initiative, and how your choices are making a difference.
Together, We Brew Change
You Can Also Nominate Your Own Cause
Do you have a cause that’s close to your heart?
Share it with us! Nominate a topic or issue that you believe deserves
attention. If selected, it will receive a donation from our next
proceeds.
Promote Your Cause!
Want your nominated cause to gain more attention? Share your
submission on social media and invite others to support the same cause!
After their purchase, they can submit the same topic to increase its
chances of receiving a donation.
How to participate:
Post your nominated cause on social media and tag us @ArtisanalBlendsByE2.
Encourage your friends and family to make a purchase and nominate the same cause after checkout.
The cause with the most nominations at the end of the milestone will receive a donation!
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.