The air would carry the enchanting scents of jasmine, evoking a sense of wonder that swept across the hills. I can still vividly recall my grandmother’s ritual of roasting coffee in a copper pot, a process that would engulf our home in a uniquely powerful and captivating fragrance, overwhelming my senses. Even now, that same aroma has the remarkable ability to transport me back to that joyous childhood, as if I am reliving another, longer phase of pure happiness.
THE
COFFEE GEMS
STORY
The tale of Coffee Gems is truly unique and it sets apart from the countless coffee stories you may have come across…
While I share with you that deep and genuine love for coffee, that subtle strength it adds to our daily lives, and the vibrant communities it fosters, my personal journey with this beverage took a rather unconventional path. It all started in the remote Colombian region of Huila, where coffee beans thrive abundantly.
I grew up on my grandparents’ coffee estate, and to this day, my fondest memories are intertwined with that chapter of my life. A sparkle of happiness fills me whenever I recall the sight of coffee plantations in full bloom, adorning the lush green trees in a dazzling white tapestry.
Despite working for large corporations for several years, I felt that it wasn’t my calling; I experienced a profound emptiness in my soul. It took me a long time to discover my true ‘element’: the world of coffee. Throughout my life, I have always been driven by the desire to bridge the gap between the cherished memories of my childhood and the realities of my everyday life.
So here I am, and over 18 years have passed since I embarked on this journey in the world of specialty coffees. Throughout, I have maintained a special approach: to honour the hardworking farmers who lie at the heart of this incredible world. Despite grappling with significant challenges, their dedication remains unwavering. They undertake an extraordinary endeavour, producing exceptional beans bursting with unimaginable and magical flavours, so we genuinely evidence respect by paying them top prices, far higher that Fair Trade pricing.
However, my proposal too extends beyond honouring these remarkable farmers. It also encompasses cherishing the people who love the experience of tasting a unique and honest cup of coffee and the creative spaces that coffee naturally create around us.
