Nespresso x Kenesha Sneed Is About More Than Pretty Mugs
September 15, 2022
by Shagun Khare
Not skipping your morning coffee just got a whole lot more important with Nespresso’s latest launch.
On September 14, the popular coffee pod connoisseurs released a colorful collection of abstract cups and saucers — available online and in stores now — in collaboration with Los Angeles-based artist Kenesha Sneed.
While the designer mugs are certainly pretty to look at and bound to brighten up your apartment, this partnership goes well beyond pure aesthetics. For every mug created within this limited edition collection, Nespresso is donating $24, for a total of $500,000, to Thrive Scholars. The nonprofit organization supports underrepresented BIPOC students and provides fundamental support during the college admission and graduation process, allowing candidates to thrive in meaningful careers.
This isn't the global brand's first foray into community-minded initiative. Back in March, Nespresso partnered with New York artist Justin Teodoro to create a collection of ceramics in support of homeless LGBTQI+ youth throughout the U.S.
The latest cause was chosen by Black at Nespresso, an internal employee resource group, as part of Nespresso's ongoing initiative entitled The Things We Hold. The program aims to positively impact communities by aligning employees’ values with tangible action points and partnerships.
Among the creative set, Sneed's ceramics are instantly recognizable. The multidisciplinary artist works across stoneware, textiles, and prints under her brand Tactile Matter. As Sneed's work focuses on themes of empowerment and the Black female experience, the Nespresso partnership felt like a natural fit.
“I’m always championing for DE&I within spaces of growth and education,” Sneed shared in a statement. “Growing up, I really didn’t have art programs available or easily accessible. So much of what inspired me was my mother — who wasn’t an artist — but we both enjoyed doing creative activities together.”
Nespresso x Kenesha Sneed Thriving Connections Mug, $24, Nespresso.
Featuring three original cup-and-saucer designs, the Nespresso x Kenesha Sneed capsule starts at $24.
Each design features Sneed’s signature soft edges, sinuous feminine forms, and collage-inspired artistry — adding a welcome dose of joy to coffee breaks.
Nespresso x Kenesha Sneed Thrive Triad Pack, $65, Nespresso.
The community impact makes this launch particularly special. According to Thrive Scholars, nearly a third of the U.S. is Black and Latinx, yet only a small margin of the communities are represented in corporate leadership and advanced workforce. The donations from this collection will help Thrive continue its efforts to close that gap and create equal opportunity.
To learn more about the Nespresso x Kenesha Sneed collection — or to shop online — see here.