When I first started business journey, I was driven by a powerful goal: empowering and working with women producers in the coffee industry. I felt a compelling need to uplift and celebrate women's contributions in a male-dominated landscape. Over the past five years, as a coffee roaster and business owner, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some truly remarkable women. Today, I want to spotlight a few of these inspiring individuals.
It all began with my talented cousin Emily, a female artist who designed my first logo and the stamps for my coffee bags. Emily isn’t a graphic designer by trade, but she was willing to step in and create something beautiful, and I will always be grateful for her creativity.
One of my first lessons was that navigating the coffee market and buying green coffee involves a steep learning curve. I was fortunate to connect with Jolene, my go-to person for green coffee importing from day one of JCR. Navigating the green coffee world would have been more challenging without her expertise and guidance.
When the time came to revamp my coffee packaging, I was fortunate to work with Andie, a gifted woman graphic designer who has constantly been present in my journey. Then there’s Cynthia, the creative force behind all my social media. She’s not just an asset for JCR-related tasks, but also a good friend. These personal connections have enriched my journey in the coffee industry.
In 2023, I visited Guatemala, and it was one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. We spent considerable time with women at various stages of the coffee chain. We met a remarkable group of female coffee producers in Huehuetenango whose stories and passion for the industry were incredibly moving.
The trip was a profound experience, and a significant part of its impact was the chance to connect with numerous strong, inspiring women in the coffee industry. It served as a powerful reminder of the dedication and effort that goes into bringing that cup of coffee to consumers, and the pivotal role that women play in this process. Being in the company of such passionate women, all striving to enhance the coffee world, was truly uplifting. It underscored the urgency of amplifying women's voices in the coffee industry and the transformative power of gender equality.
Thank you to the incredible women who have shaped my coffee journey and continue to inspire and transform the coffee world.
#WomenInCoffee