In the heart of Kenya's thriving coffee industry, Marion Juma's journey from sales and marketing to becoming a skilled barista and coffee quality controller is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and empowerment. Guided by the vision of Mr. Bernard, the visionary CEO of Elgon Coffee, Marion's story is one of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
Marion's encounter with Mr. Bernard was serendipitous, yet it sparked a profound shift in her career trajectory. Inspired by his passion for coffee and commitment to empowering young women in the industry, Marion found herself drawn into the world of coffee brewing. With Mr. Bernard's guidance and unwavering support, she embarked on a transformative journey that would change her life forever.
"I'll forever be grateful to Mr. Bernard for believing in me and opening doors to a world I never knew existed," Marion reflects, her eyes bright with gratitude. "He saw potential in me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams in the coffee business."
Under Mr. Bernard's mentorship, Marion was introduced to Baristopro Kenya, a renowned training institute for aspiring baristas. Sponsored by Elgon Coffee, Marion immersed herself in the art and science of coffee brewing under the expert guidance of Mr. Japheth Odour, her dedicated trainer at Baristopro.
"Marion was a dedicated and enthusiastic student," Mr. Odour recalls with pride. "She showed remarkable aptitude for mastering new techniques and had a keen eye for detail. It's essential for baristas to stay updated on industry trends and techniques to deliver exceptional coffee experiences."
Speaking on the importance of coffee bean sourcing, Mr. Odour emphasizes the critical role it plays in the final product. "Quality beans are the foundation of great coffee. Understanding the sourcing process and the journey of coffee beans from farm to cup is essential for delivering superior coffee experiences."
Echoing Mr. Odour's sentiments, Ms. Esther Otieno, CEO of Baristapro Kenya, underscores the significance of specialty coffee and the growing demand for premium coffee experiences in Kenya. "Baristapro Kenya is dedicated to nurturing talent and promoting excellence in the coffee industry. We believe in empowering baristas with the skills and knowledge to elevate coffee culture in Kenya."
Ms. Otieno highlights the key qualities of a successful barista, including passion, creativity, and a commitment to continuous learning. She acknowledges the challenges baristas face in Kenya, such as the perception of their profession and the need for greater recognition and support from the government.
"We believe that by advocating for barista training to be recognized as a full course in TVET institutions, we can elevate the status of baristas and promote professionalism in the industry," Ms. Otieno asserts.
As Marion takes on her new role as a Coffee Quality Controller at Elgon Coffee, she is determined to pay it forward by empowering more young women like herself. "I am living proof that dreams do come true with the right support and mentorship," Marion declares with conviction. "Elgon Coffee's empowerment program has changed my life, and I am committed to empowering others to pursue their passions in the coffee industry."
With Elgon Coffee's unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of coffee professionals, Marion's story serves as an inspiring example of the endless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and believe in themselves. As she continues her journey, Marion is poised to make a lasting impact on Kenya's vibrant coffee industry, one cup at a time.