Conor Ward

Three Life Milestones at Once and the Familiarity That’s Helped Me Through  

They say the three most stressful things you can do in life are start a new job, move house, and have a baby. For reasons I’m still not quite sure of, I decided to do all three at once. And while I won’t pretend it’s been a walk in the park, I’ve been lucky enough to find something to ground me in the chaos - something familiar in an unfamiliar world.  

That something is people.  

Coming from the wine industry, I wasn’t sure what to expect stepping into the world of alternative drinks and speciality coffee. I quickly realised that both industries are built around a shared DNA: a deep passion for quality, a constant desire to improve, and an unwavering focus on delivering great experiences.  

That sense of community and shared purpose made starting my new role at Blendsmiths feel less like a total reinvention and more like finding a new chapter in a familiar book.  

A Day in the Life at Blendsmiths  

My day-to-day is an exciting mix of outreach, support, and learning. A big part of my role involves reaching out to potential new customers, people and businesses who are as passionate about flavour, sustainability, and craft as we are. Building those new relationships is energising, especially when I get to introduce someone to a blend they’ve never tried before.  

Equally important is providing exceptional service to our existing wholesale customers. These are the people who’ve believed in us and chosen to serve our products in their cafés, stores, and spaces, and we take that responsibility seriously. Whether it’s helping them with training, sharing new product insights, or simply being there to solve a challenge, every interaction is a chance to build trust and make their day a little easier.  

No two days are ever the same, and that’s what I love most. I’m constantly switching between big-picture strategy and hands-on problem solving, all while learning something new about this vibrant and ever-evolving industry.  

What’s Been Surprising?  

I expected differences. New products, new people, new rhythms. But what’s surprised me most are the similarities to the wine world. The focus on origin and the obsession with quality. The drive to create memorable experiences through flavour and, most of all, the people. Kind, curious, and always striving to do better.  

It’s that familiar energy that’s made this big life shift feel a little less daunting.  

Shifting Industries, Finding Parallels  

In wine, we talk a lot about storytelling. About capturing a sense of place, of heritage, and of the people behind the product. I’ve found the same thing here. Whether it’s our Matcha, Beetroot, or Turmeric blends, the magic is in the details: where it’s sourced, how it’s made, and what it stands for.  

At Blendsmiths, I’ve seen firsthand how passion and purpose combine to create not just products, but experiences. And it’s that kind of work that keeps me inspired.  

Final Thoughts  

When life throws everything at you all at once, it’s easy to feel like you’re just trying to stay afloat. But through the upheaval of new beginnings, a new job, a new home, and soon, a new baby. I’ve found real calm in knowing that the values I care most about still surround me.  

That sense of connection came to life recently when I attended the London Coffee Festival. It was amazing to see everything I’ve been feeling and thinking, play out right in front of me - passionate people, a collaborative spirit, and a relentless drive to make things better. That experience reminded me just how important it is to stay curious, especially when stepping into the unknown. 

And while I may not know exactly what the future holds (especially when it comes to sleep!), I do know that being part of this community, this industry, is exactly where I’m meant to be.  

Here’s to new adventures, shared passions, and the people who make it all worthwhile.