Brewing connection: how coffee brings people together

If there’s one thing that unites offices across the world, it’s coffee. From that first bleary-eyed pour in the morning to a midday pick-me-up before a big meeting, coffee isn’t just fuel – it’s a ritual. A reason to pause. And often, the spark for great conversation.

To dig into what makes coffee such a powerful connector (especially at work), we sat down with Hailie Stevens, Associate Coffee Program Manager at Fellow – the San Francisco-based brand behind some of the most loved coffee gear and drinkware around. 

We talked about coffee’s place in culture and community, the connections it sparks every day, and how Fellow is brewing the future of how we come together over coffee.

Coffee as a connector

“Historically, coffee’s always been about connection,” Hailie explains. “Much like tea ceremonies in different cultures, coffee has its own rituals – especially in Ethiopia, where the coffee ceremony is a tradition that’s centuries old. It’s always been this social, communal thing.”

Even now, in our café-obsessed world, that essence hasn’t changed. “When you go into a café and order a coffee, you end up chatting with your barista, talking about tasting notes or origins. Or maybe you’re meeting a friend and catching up over lattes. At its core, coffee creates conversation. It’s how people connect.”

Coffee at work: the morning migration

That same spirit runs deep at Fellow’s own HQ.

“In our office, the first thing that happens every morning is someone drops a message in the group chat – ‘coffee’s ready downstairs!’ – and suddenly, people are migrating from all corners of the building to the kitchen,” says Hailie, laughing.

“Coffee’s not just a caffeine kick; it’s a moment. It’s a reason to pause, to ask what someone’s brewing, to try something new. You might get into this deep conversation about roasters or flavor notes – or just take a breather before diving back into your day. It’s a small ritual that keeps us grounded and connected.”

“Coffee’s not just a caffeine kick; it’s a moment.”

And while plenty of beverages make the rounds in offices, Hailie admits, “No shade to sparkling water, but connecting over coffee just hits differently. There’s a story behind every cup – the farmer, the roast, the brew. You’re sharing something that’s traveled across the world to get to you. That’s pretty special.”

The Fellow Brew Bar: the heart of the office

If you visit Fellow’s offices, you’ll quickly find its beating heart – the brew bar.

“It’s right in the middle of everything,” says Hailie. “Our product lab’s on one side, marketing and e-commerce are upstairs, and the kitchen sits in the middle. It’s our hub.”

That layout isn’t by accident. “The number of casual – but really important – conversations that happen there is wild. I’ve had twenty-minute chats over coffee that led to new product ideas or quick decisions that might’ve taken weeks over email. Coffee has this way of breaking down barriers – it brings people together naturally.”

Pushing the boundaries of brew

Fellow has made a name for itself by blending beautiful design with next-level functionality – and refusing to compromise on either.

“Since the beginning, we’ve been all about form and function,” Hailie says. “We want our products to look great on your counter, but they also have to perform with precision – literally down to the degree.”

That precision is more than just a tagline. Fellow kettles, brewers, and espresso machines give users incredible control over every part of the brewing process. “With our new espresso machine, we developed a patented boosted boiler system that delivers café-quality pressure with just one boiler. It’s small, sleek, and powerful—perfect for home baristas in smaller spaces.”

But perhaps what sets Fellow apart most is its approachability. “Wherever you are on your coffee journey, we want you to feel like you can make something amazing. Whether you’re a total coffee nerd or just starting out, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Coffee’s meant to be enjoyed.”

So Hailie… what makes the best brew?

Ask any coffee person this question and you’ll get a dozen different answers – and that’s exactly what makes it fun.

“The best brew really comes down to preference,” Hailie says. “Some people swear by conical drippers, others love flat-bottom ones. Personally, I’m a flat-bottom fan – it gives you a heavier body and texture, kind of like the difference between a crisp white wine and a rich Cabernet. But there’s no right or wrong. Coffee is subjective, and that’s the beauty of it.”

Her advice? “Experiment. Pick a coffee that sounds good to you – something with tasting notes you like – and try it a few different ways. The same coffee brewed two different ways can taste completely different. That’s where the magic is.”

Coffee, community and great design

At the end of the day, Hailie believes coffee is about being human.

“It’s this little thing that brings people together,” she says. “Whether you’re in a café, chatting with a coworker in the kitchen, or brewing at home, it’s a reason to slow down and connect. That’s what makes coffee so powerful – it’s not just a drink, it’s a shared experience.”

For Hailie, design plays a big part in that experience too. “The way coffee is brewed, the tools we use, the care that goes into making it – they all shape the moment. A well-designed kettle or mug can turn a simple cup into something you genuinely savor. It elevates the ritual and encourages connection.”

“Coffee bridges differences. It doesn’t matter what you do or where you’re from – sharing a cup is universal.”

She adds, “Coffee bridges differences. It doesn’t matter what you do or where you’re from – sharing a cup is universal. That’s why every cup is an opportunity to spark conversation or simply be present with someone else.”

Gift the ritual this season

If all this talk of coffee has you itching to upgrade your morning brew – you’re in luck. When you shop with MOO, you can now get your hands on Fellow’s beautifully designed custom drinkware alongside our own range. From sleek mugs to minimalist tumblers, they’re the perfect companions for your daily rituals. 

Whether you’re gifting something thoughtful to clients or employees this season, make it something worth savoring.

Shop drinkware at MOO and discover the joy of better coffee, together.