007 | 100 Anthony
100 Strangers Project
Mention coffee in the Phoenix East Valley, and there’s a good chance that Anthony's name will come up in that conversation. Also known as HANDSXFEET , I first crossed paths with him about 5 or 6 years ago. Back then, he was just starting his journey with Peixoto Coffee in Downtown Chandler, and I had just started a new job, in a new city. Our office was just a short walk away from the coffee shop. Over the years, he prepared cup after cup (after cup) of coffee for me and my friends, but I never really knew much more about him. I'd see the occasional feature in an IG post here and there. Sometimes I’d see him at some of the other cafes around town, and I knew he was that ‘HANDSXFEET’ guy from Peixoto, but that’s as far as it went. Then a few years later, Anthony and Peixoto collaborated on a special edition anniversary coffee. A mutual friend, Aaron of Meyers Films, produced the promo video announcing the special edition roast. This SIP NO EVIL drop was the first time I learned about his calling to work in the crisis intervention space, and now, 3 years later, I learned a little more about where that passion is rooted.
I recently got to spend about an hour with Anthony(HANDSXFEET).
When I asked him if he had any ideas for the kind of backdrop or setting he wanted to be photographed in, without hesitation, he said,
“Definitely Peixoto Chandler Shop!”
Anthony 007 | 100 HANDSXFEET
Q&A
Trigger Warning: Suicide
Rick: Tell me about your go-to coffee drink at the moment.
Anthony: Pour overs are definitely my go to! With being an assistant roaster for Peixoto Coffee, I love getting to help develop amazing coffees & see how they translate in the brew. Then on the weekends, you can find me at either Pair Cupworks or Mythical Coffee sipping an almond milk cappuccino!
Rick: How would your best friend describe you?
“HANDSXFEET (Anthony) is a person of immense belief: in life, in love, in me and anyone else lucky enough to be part of his family. In life he’s the first person I turn to in all things, to grieve or to celebrate. A person that talented doesn’t have to make time for anyone but genuinely, no one has ever made me feel more at home in their presence.”
-Jay (IIWAA)
Rick: Tell me about something you’re really good at.
Anthony: Crisis Intervention. I am certified in Crisis Intervention. I am confident in my skills to deescalate, help someone feel safe, comfortable, heard, and seen. And bring them to a point where they are no longer in danger. I also give mental health lectures at local high schools! I love getting to help others access the tools for their healing.
Rick: Tell me about a quality you admire in other people.
Anthony: Care & patience. Being able to slow down when needed & be there for each other. We aren’t meant to do this life alone. We are better together!
Rick: What do you wish people knew about you?
Anthony: How soft I am. 100% of the time people are intimidated by me until they have a conversation with me haha. They always say how intimidated they were at first, but as soon as we talk they can tell how big of a heart I have!
Rick: Here’s a time machine, but it’s stuck in reverse. So you can only go back in time, and once you set the date, that’s it! That’s the only day you can visit. You can travel back and forth between that date and the present as many times as you want. What day do you set and why?
Anthony: TW: Suicide.
I apologize in advance, but I am a transparent human. I would travel back to the day before I lost my cousin, my hero, to suicide. That side of my family fell apart that day & never recovered. Losing him has been my main reason for dedicating my life to suicide prevention. I often wonder how different life would be if I could go back in time & save him.
Rick: Anything else I should ask you?
Anthony: Whoever is reading this, wherever you are, know that you are loved and you have purpose. All you need to qualify for purpose is air in your lungs and a beating heart in your chest. If you ever need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can find me at @xhandsxfeetx on all socials. Also, if you would like to listen to my music, I am HANDSXFEET on all streaming platforms! Be the change you want to see. Thank you!
This was an awesome read my friend. Thanks for sharing