This periodic series of three images and responses to questions tells the stories of people of the Valley who love what they do. As Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” This article features Karen Sauther, proprietor and roaster, KS Coffee LLC, Specialty Coffee Roaster and Mobile Café.
How long have you lived in Vermont and where did you grow up?
I grew up in Malone, NY, and moved to Vermont in 2002.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A long list from singer/songwriter/ visual artist/interior decorator/the army or religious order.
What was your first job and how did you get it?
Working in my family’s wholesale business, doing odd jobs like filing, stocking, inventory, filling orders and volunteering through Girl Scouting, the hospital, and our church. My first paid job was as a server at 14.
Who was the biggest influence in your decision to choose the work you now do?
My family, especially my father. His work ethic, drive for perfection, commitment to quality, and to providing for his family and community are traits that are engrained in my and my sibling’s blood. We are a steadfast, resilient, and resourceful bunch, and I wouldn’t be running a business without the support of them and my husband.
What steps did you take to get where you are today?
I’m curious and a self-motivated learner, fascinated with the processes of how things come to be. I briefly worked as a barista and began roasting coffee at home in a $30 Whirly Pop before my husband gifted me an electric tabletop roaster which is still kicking. I convinced coffee guru Spencer Turer to employ me at Coffee Enterprises - then moved to Keurig Green Mountain R&D. While I felt supported and successful, I also saw some rapid and intense changes while there. I realized growth-driven corporations were not aligned with my values although through these opportunities, I obtained world renowned certifications, traveled to coffee origins, tasted the best and worst coffees, and learned intricacies of the coffee supply chain.
In 2017, I built a roasting space while working full time, took on wholesale and retail accounts, vended at the farmers market, and sold online. Unlike most coffee roasting start-ups, I forged direct relationships with farmers, did my own design work, researched compostable packaging options, and sourced topnotch coffees from day one.
What sacrifices have you made to get to this point in the work you do?
Time for loved ones, self-care, and sleep. Coffee roasting and running the tiny coffee house requires heavy lifting and carrying, which exacerbated my chronic pain and illness. The additional stress brought several things to light about my past, my executive functioning, and my cognitive skills. This led me to discover my strengths but also led to a significant period of grief.
Since starting KS Coffee, I have not wavered in my commitment to integrity, authenticity, and quality, but this has come with challenges, such as facing imposterism, low self-esteem, chronic health issues, difficulty finding guidance from someone with similar values or life experience, encountering gender-based discrimination, limited opportunities and resources in rural communities, and high cost of living. Running this venture has taught me to let go of perfectionism and the idea that things might get easier over time.
What is the best job advice that you’ve ever received?
The worst job advice propelled me. My coffee industry peers advised against pursuing sustainable packaging, legit farmer pay, and ethical sourcing – instead they suggested I make money first, then put it toward such goals. This did not sit well with me as fast company growth results in value-driven goals becoming further out of reach or not prioritized as needs change. I refuse to let that be my story. As my father pointed out, I always had to do things the hard way.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
Gratitude is what guides me back to center, back to roots, and back to balance every single day. Top of my gratitude list: Earth, clean water, clean air, music, scents, calm, warmth, humor, contrast, balance, interconnectivity, and empathy.
How do you give back?
I use the small power I have as a business owner to uplift other women and marginalized people and freely share intellectual wealth. I’ve volunteered for Meals On Wheels, served on municipal boards, held charity fundraisers, made coffee donations to local causes, held public educational coffee events, and pour kindness into each beverage and interaction.
What do you do in your free time?
I use my free time for intentional rest, self-care, and connection – a hike in the woods, writing letters, gardening, reading, road tripping with friends, massage, tarot, or simply sitting quietly. I’ve come to appreciate what a privilege silence can be.
Do you have a favorite quote that you live by?
This evolves depending on where I’m at in life. Currently echoing in the corners of my mind: “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” ~Fannie Lou Hamer.
A special thank you to Karen’s customers, Jim, Jill, Rob and their dog, Holly.
To suggest someone who “Loves What They Do…,” email me at
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