Founder & Director of Cracked Pot Enterprises, CIC
My name is Samantha (Sam) Dobson. I live and work in Sunderland and I'm married to Phil, a lifelong supporter of SAFC. We have three grown up children and one grandson!
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If I was with you right now I'd be inviting you to sit at my table and have coffee. I love getting together with people over food and drink, a meal out or coffee and cake. That's what led me to my obsession with coffee. Not only is it a delicious drink, it helps people connect and share their stories.
ABOUT US
Sam Dobson
I'm passionate about helping people overcome the obstacles they face to have a more fulfilled life and move towards financial independence. This is why I set up Cracked Bean Roastery, bringing my love for people and coffee together.
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We sell delicious coffee and value all the people that are involved in its production journey, from farm to supplier, to roastery and finally to the customer.
2021 was an exciting year, I gave up my job in order to set up a community interest company (CIC), Cracked Pot Enterprises (CPE) and its first social enterprise, Cracked Bean Roastery. I connected with Sunderland BIC (Business in the Community), and they gave me valuable business advice that helped me set up CPE.
As part of this venture, I’ve connected with other expert roasters in Leeds and the North East to receive barista training and learn the artisan skill of coffee roasting. This will enable me to go on to provide the very same training to local people, who have experienced long-term unemployment. Not only that, but by selling the speciality roasted coffee to customers and trade clients, we will be boosting the local economy!
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I have worked for charities across the North East for most of my career, most recently I was an employment coach at Oasis Community Housing, working with people experiencing long-term unemployment. I also helped to set up a homelessness drop-in centre called Basis, in Sunderland, providing crisis support for people struggling with homelessness.
I am very grateful for the experience I have been given at Oasis Community Housing. It was during my time there that I developed my vision for Cracked Pot Enterprises, and Cracked Bean Roastery.
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If you have any questions or want to get involved I'd love to hear from you.
Inspiration
The name Cracked Pot is inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi pottery, where broken pots are put back together using gold lacquer. By highlighting the damage, the Japanese believed that when something’s suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful.
As human beings, we all suffer damage and loss as we go through life. However, for some the damage is overwhelming and my heart is to get alongside people to help them rebuild their lives. My Christian faith and love for God motivate me in all that I do and it is the foundation of this work.
