This weekend we introduce to you The Technicolor Dream Blend created in collaboration with modern-day starlet Jeri Mae James to you all. This heavenly chocolate covered cherry medium roast is fruity, decadent, indulgent, and the perfect treat for any day of the week (but especially for a Sunday morning if you’re me and like to treat yourself a bit extra one day a week).

Jeri Mae James is the absolute most deserving and NICE person that I could have asked to collaborate with on a project like this. She’s a go-getter and a creative to the bone, which fits perfectly into our goal inspiring you each morning through the stories of these figures on our packaging.

In an effort to let you peek into the brain of Jeri and learn more about who she is, we’ve completed a lovely interview that you can read below. If you have any more curiosities about the artist that is Jeri Mae James, always feel free to reach out and ask!

Jeri Mae James, you’ve cultivated a large following on social media as a beloved personality living life in an aesthetically stunning way. How did that begin? 

“I started modeling when I moved out to LA in my teens. I had been under the wing of a few different “managers” who all claimed I had something to write home about and wanted to help me break into the business and support my acting.  Unfortunately their motives were not as pure as my aspirations had hoped they would be.

You get burned enough times you finally say well heck, I’ll just take matters into my own hands. I knew I had a specific point of view, I had different references and aesthetic tastes and I had been taking photos of myself and friends since highschool so I wasn’t too bad with a camera either.

 Social media seemed as good a place as any to get my foot in the door, or at least try to build something on my own, where I wasnt under someone else’s thumb. I’ve been so fortunate to be able to find a place for myself online but I do hope to do more outside of digital media too, like this coffee for instance!”

It’s safe to say that social media changed your life. Where would you say it has had the biggest impact?

“In more ways than one it has given me a better sense of belonging. I don’t have much of a family life to speak of.  Having a community of people who get a kick out of what I make and support me in my ventures, successes and failures has been very touching and encouraging to me. I don’t ever want to take that for granted.

In terms of my “career”, I feel more than any other avenue, social media has brought me jobs and opportunities.  

I thrive and feel happiest working on projects and creating. Next to romantic love, my work is the most thrilling thing in my life.“

Is there a piece of advice you would give to someone pursuing a life in the arts?

“For the creative side… waiting for perfection means never getting started in the first place.

For the business side …. Get everything in writing, if it seems too good to be true bring someone with you and again, get everything in writing!

Keep growing, keep reading, keep learning and take out time to appreciate where you are in your journey. Things can change for better or worse so quickly for an artist. Try to have moments of being present and content with wherever you are. Easier said than done.“

What inspires you creatively?

“I love a good story. So in everything I do I try to look for a way to tell some sort of joke or create a narrative. 

I’m very inspired by what is known now as “Old Hollywood or the Golden Age” meaning the film industry and all that went into it from the 20s- late 60s. 

The culture of art and craftsmanship from that time in history I find very inspiring as well.

 I  look to stories of the past, fables, legend, and lore surrounding art, culture and such from eras gone by and can be very inspired by those as well.“

What does your ideal day consist of?

“Kind and thoughtful people, creative successes , coffee and champagne, bottles of perfume, a warm summer night taken to full advantage with an evening swim wearing nothing but a smile.“

Could you recommend 5 films to readers that define Jeri Mae James?

1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
2. The Misfits
3. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
4. Grand Hotel
5. Bus Stop

“It’s hard to say, because a thousand films come to mind that inspire me, but I see myself in certain characters in these films, I think that was the question wasn’t it?

If you need a film list, that would fill a page all on its own!“

I know you’re a big reader! So… what about books? If someone wanted a glimpse into the ones that helped shape you, what books should they read??

“Oh goodness well I mainly read plays, biographies and informative books, surprisingly not as much fiction. I have started reading some Jane Austen books though and I am enjoying those so who knows maybe I am entering a new section of my library hehe!

Some books by my bed stand currently:

Seneca letters from a Stoic

Billy Wilder in Hollywood

A Streetcar Named Desire

 Summer and Smoke

Self Reliance (an essay) by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stella Adlers Acting books

To the Actor by Michael Checkov

I’m currently halfway through Akira Kurosawa’s autobiography

Lily Dache’s Glamour Book 

and a collected works of poetry book“

Of everything you’ve accomplished thus far in your career, what stands out as the most special to you?

“Well the project I am most known for is the “Until I Found You” music video and that holds a special place in my heart, I was and still am very grateful for that job.

I think the relationships and contacts I have made are the most special, it’s nice to feel you don’t have to always go in alone.

 It’s an honor to have other artists or companies believe in your vision,  it has taken me a bit of time to get used to, but I cherish that. It makes my real dreams seem more possible.

I feel that I am just getting started, and there is so much more I would like to do. I would really like to produce good cinematic work, that’s my goal, to make films.“

What makes our collaboration, “The Technicolor Dream Blend” special to you?

“My goodness, just to be the first of this “era” to be featured is an honor, not to mention the names I am seated next to. I haven’t any illusions that I am anywhere near their status as icons and artists, but I’m grateful that in this collaboration, you’ve made me feel like maybe someday, something I do will make me worthy to be next to them all. I am truly very touched and honored.”

What is your preferred way of enjoying this special new coffee?

“It’s so decadent and luxurious. I like it hot and iced but I’ve been preparing it in the french press lately, as it’s been chilly in Hollywood. I find some sugar mixed in really brings out the cherry and chocolate notes. Some mornings when I have the time to relax and savor it,  I’ll scoop on some whipped cream too. Why not!“