Coffee Activism

Fresh Cup Magazine, a coffee mag that’s dedicated to inspiring coffee and tea professionals, has recently written a fantastic piece on a global coffee movement that’s been developing within the industry – Coffee Activism. I was honoured to share my story with them and also happened to land my face on their front cover.

Growing Up in Coffee

I entered the coffee industry at 17, literally straight after high school. I never really thought I’d stay in coffee for long. But along with coffee’s addictive nature, I never left. I’ve had some of the best work experiences imaginable, like being paid to work on a coffee plantation and travelling the world. But, I’ve also endured some of the worst. I spent a good 8 years working tirelessly to prove my worth and with a determination to not let my gender hold me back from any career opportunities.

Subliminal Messaging is Powerful

I’ve had a diverse career in coffee, working at all levels of the supply chain. However, at each level, I only ever experienced male bosses. Although some of my male bosses really championed me, subliminal messaging is powerful. Over the years, my young eyes watched and came to understand that only men held senior roles on coffee plantations, roasted coffee, and owned businesses. After almost a decade of never witnessing female leadership, I believed that I, as a woman, could not do these jobs.

Taking the Plunge

After 8 years in coffee and with a truckload of coffee knowledge in my back pocket, I felt pretty disheartened. I was at one of those crossroads in life where my work was no longer adding value to my happiness. It was in that moment that I decided, I would either say goodbye to coffee altogether or take the plunge and start my own business. In 2012, at 25 years of age, that’s what I did. I started Fat Poppy Coffee Roasters and never looked back. I guess I never quite got my female boss, rather I became one myself.

The Coffee Activism Movement

For me, The Coffee Activism Movement is advocating for change, so that women at all levels of the supply chain believe coffee is ripe with opportunities, offering them long, prosperous careers. It is promoting fair pay, while ensuring that all women feel safe and empowered in the workplace.

My overarching belief is that “if you can’t see it, you can’t believe it”, making more female leadership paramount to the success of this movement. On that note, cheers to women in coffee and to Fresh Cup Magazine for supporting the movement!

Read the full interview here