Aashay Samel Building partnerships, creating communities, and connecting through coffee. At Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters, Aashay Samel leads partnerships and outreach, working to connect the brand with communities, collaborators, and platforms that share the same passion for coffee. With over 18 years of experience in the global event industry, Aashay has worked across destinations and cultures, planning large-scale experiences including celebrity weddings that required both precision and creativity. During these travels, one constant companion stayed with him — coffee. What began as a way to stay energized on long flights and back-to-back meetings turned into a deep appreciation for the art and culture of coffee. Today, he brings that passion and global perspective to Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters, where his focus goes beyond partnerships — it’s about building authentic relationships, sparking conversations, and creating experiences that bring people together through coffee. For Aashay, every collaboration is like a great brew — crafted with care, meant to be shared, and best enjoyed in good company. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just beginning your journey, he invites you to be part of this story.
Gautam Gajbar Design with purpose. Creativity with impact. At Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters, Gautam Gajbar leads design and creative direction, bringing storytelling, identity, and artistry into the world of coffee. His work shapes how the brand communicates visually — from packaging to experiences — ensuring that every element reflects the care and craft behind each cup. With a career that began in Singapore and Mumbai advertising agencies, Gautam went on to build a diverse independent practice, working on impactful projects like Nike India’s “Bleed Blue” identity campaign and their express fan merchandise line. Over the years, he has collaborated with leading global and Indian brands such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, ASICS, Puma, Pantaloons, Raymond, Disney India, and Royal Enfield. Deeply rooted in Mumbai, his creative perspective is influenced by the city’s culture, energy, and resilience, along with his passion for sports and music. These elements flow into his design philosophy, creating work that balances identity, rhythm, and connection.
Through his role at Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters, Gautam channels this creative vision into coffee — crafting a brand experience where design and flavor work hand in hand to build lasting connections. ☕✨
Akshay Samel From Cockpits to Coffee Beans: Akshay Samel’s Unique Journey As a seasoned airline pilot, Akshay Samel has seen the world from 35,000 feet — and run across continents on foot. With 4 IronMan races, 3 IronMan 70.3s, and countless marathons under his belt, Akshay isn’t just navigating skies — he’s conquered some of the most grueling endurance challenges on the ground. But between the high-performance lifestyle and unpredictable work hours, one constant remained: coffee. What began as a quick energy fix evolved into something deeper. During his travels, Akshay discovered the world of freshly brewed coffee — and noticed something remarkable. While instant coffee often triggered acid reflux, a simple Americano at an airport café felt refreshing and energizing, without the side effects. That small insight sparked a bigger journey — into the world of high-quality, responsibly sourced coffee. Today, through Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters, Akshay is channeling his passion to bring some of the best-tasting coffees in India to people who value both flavor and well-being. His story is a reminder that great coffee isn’t just about caffeine — it’s about craft, care, and curiosity.
Devesh Nayak From Late-Night Espresso Shots to Craft Coffee Roasting: The Journey of Devesh Nayak
For Devesh Nayak, coffee started as a survival tool — a shot of espresso to power through late-night college study sessions. What began as a necessity soon became an acquired taste, a small ritual in the midst of student life.
Back then, coffee choices were limited, and curiosity took a backseat to convenience. But travel has a way of opening doors — and for Devesh, it opened an entire world of flavors. Stepping into the global coffee scene felt like a kid entering a candy store: endless varieties, aromas, and brewing styles waiting to be explored.
Brewing Passion into Purpose~ As the years went by, Devesh experimented with different origins and brewing methods. Then came the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 — when instant coffee became the default. It was in this moment of limitation that he and co-founder Akshay decided to do something more with their passion. The seed for Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters was planted. Despite being a qualified Pharmacist with an MBA, Devesh was drawn to the artistry and science of coffee cultivation, roasting, and brewing. He and Akshay sampled both imported and Indian single-origin coffees, carefully curating selections they believed would resonate with fellow coffee lovers. They shared their brews, listened closely to feedback, and refined their offerings. Coffee with Intention~ Today, Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters stands as the product of research, dedication, and a shared love for quality coffee. Every bean is chosen with care, every roast designed to bring out its best expression. For Devesh, the journey has come full circle — from relying on coffee to get through exams, to crafting coffee that others look forward to savoring. And the mission remains simple: share exceptional coffee and hear the stories it inspires in others.
