Exploring Life & Business with Ana Nouel of Atabey Coffee Roasters

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Nouel.

Hi Ana , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

We are a Female-founded, self-funded and 75 % operated by a Latinx woman, Atabey is a single origin Dominican specialty coffee roaster in Los Angeles, CA. We currently have an online store, do Pop-Ups at Markets/events and also available for a specialty coffee experience for corporate catering.

My journey into the world of coffee began in the heart of the Dominican Republic, where the aroma of coffee floated through my childhood memories, Dominicans have a huge coffee culture is just a way to communicate with one another. Growing up in a small community surrounded by the lush landscapes of coffee plantations, the significance of coffee was deeply ingrained in my culture. As you explored deeper into the rich history of Dominican coffee, I discovered the untapped potential of my country’s specialty beans, which had long been overshadowed by politics and large corporation.

Driven by a passion to raise my community and honor my Dominican heritage, I embarked on a journey of discovery. I learned about the diverse strains of Arabica beans flourishing in the Caribbean, each carrying its own unique flavor profile and story. Inspired by the indigenous Taino culture of the Dominican Republic, I found resonance in the goddess Atabey, symbolizing the nurturing spirit of the earth and its waters, perfectly encapsulating the essence of my brand.

With a mission to bring Dominican specialty coffee to the forefront of being known, I founded Atabey Coffee Roasters. Prepared with a commitment to fair trade practices and sustainability, I wanted to empower small producers and ensure they received fair compensation for their very hard labor. Through education and advocacy, I aimed to promote the quality of Dominican coffee while preserving the traditions and livelihoods of those who cultivate it.

Today, Atabey Coffee Roasters stands as a testament to my dedication and vision, proudly representing the flavors and stories of the Dominican Republic. With each cup brewed, I honor the legacy of your ancestors and the resilience of my people, while paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely, it’s been far from a smooth road. Introducing Dominican Specialty coffee to the people has been an uphill battle from the start. Unlike other coffee-producing countries that have established themselves in the coffee market, Dominican coffee has often been overlooked and is fairly unknown. Convincing people to give it a try and educating them about its unique qualities has been a significant challenge.

Moreover, navigating the landscape of a self-funded small business has its own set of hurdles. From managing finances to scaling operations, every step forward requires careful planning and resourcefulness. It’s a constant juggling act to keep the business afloat while striving for growth and recognition. This a one women/person show, literally, where I am the one doing everything to make my brand succeed.

On top of that, entering an industry dominated by men adds another layer of complexity. Breaking through the barriers and stereotypes as one of the few empowered women in the coffee business demands resilience and determination. It means proving oneself in a traditionally male-dominated space and earning respect and recognition based on merit and passion for the craft.

Despite these challenges, every obstacle has only fueled my determination to succeed. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. With perseverance, dedication, and a huge believer in the quality and potential of Dominican Specialty coffee, I continue to push forward, knowing that every cup brewed is a step closer to achieving my vision along other a few other Dominicans trying to do the same for our coffee culture.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Atabey Coffee Roasters?
As mentioned before, Atabey Coffee Roasters, we’re more than just a coffee brand – we’re a movement dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Dominican Specialty coffee. My mission is to raise awareness of the profile of Dominican coffee to the community, while supporting fair trade practices and sustainability.

We specialize in sourcing premium green coffee beans directly from small producers in the Dominican Republic and meticulously roasting them to perfection in Los Angeles, California. I actually have direct contact with my farmer and work very closely with him to have the best of our land, as well as learning as much as I can from this niche since he has been exporting Dominican coffee beans to Asia for over 30 yrs already.

Our single-origin coffees highlight the unique flavors and characteristics of each region, from the spice notes of the Cordillera Central to the fruity undertones of the Caribbean coast. Is important to note that; The Cordillera Central is the highest mountain range in the Dominican Republic and in all the Caribbean, in which the Dominican Republic has the highest peak of the Caribbean called El Pico Duarte, and the farm of my producer being in the skirts, non-protected area, of these mountains/Cordillera.

Our beans are meticulously grown in the mountains near Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s highest peak, where the perfect weather conditions foster the development of rich and delicate flavors. Handpicked with care, our beans undergo a rigorous process before being freshly roasted in Los Angeles to deliver a truly unique Colao’ experience to your taste.

Our coffee offerings include a variety of processing methods, each meticulously curated to enhance the natural flavors of the coffee beans.

Our Washed process beans from Las Mercedes Farm offer a lighter body and brighter acidity, while our Yellow Honey processed beans from also from Las Mercedes presents fruity flavors and sweet acidity, thanks to the natural fermentation of the mucilage. Additionally, our Black Honey process provide distinct flavor profiles, with the latter being the most complex and labor-intensive, resulting in a full-bodied and rich coffee experience.

What sets us apart is our commitment to transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. By forging direct relationships with coffee farmers, we ensure that they receive fair compensation for their labor and that their communities benefit from our partnership, aside of freshly roast to order. We take pride in empowering these hardworking individuals and showcasing the exceptional quality of their coffee to the people.

Atabey Coffee Roasters is not just a brand – for me it’s a symbol of resilience, tradition, and sustainability. With every cup of Atabey coffee, you’re not just enjoying a superior Dominican brew; you’re supporting a movement that honors my land, my people, and my culture behind each bean.

We want our readers to know that when they choose Atabey Coffee Roasters, they’re not just buying coffee – they’re joining a community that values authenticity, fairness, and excellence. From our commitment to fair trade practices to our dedication to preserving the heritage of Dominican coffee, Atabey is more than just a coffee beverage – it’s a journey of discovery and appreciation. And as mentioned initially, We have our online stores to sell our beans, I also do Pop-Ups at Markets/events and I am also available for a Dominican specialty coffee experience for corporate catering.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a curious and nature-loving girl, shaped by the beauty and simplicity of life in a small town. My childhood was filled with adventures exploring the outdoors, from wandering through lush forests to admiring at the stars in the night sky. My love for nature implanted in me a deep appreciation for its preservation, a value that continues to guide me today.

Raised by my grandmother, a strong character but compassionate woman, I learned the importance of resilience and empathy from an early age. She was a pillar of strength in our community, always seeking ways to uplift and empower those in need. Through her involvement in politics which she used as an instrument to finds way to help others and her dedication to social causes, she showed me the power of advocacy and the impact of collective action. I remember she is being part of a group who created schools in very rural little towns to teach the women how to work in different areas, for them to be able to leave to bigger cities and do something for themselves and their families, this impacted me in so many ways until this days.

Surrounded by mujeres emprendedoras, I was inspired by their determination and resourcefulness. They taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of using one’s voice to create positive change. My grandmother cultivated in me a sense of responsibility to help others and instilled in me the belief that even the smallest actions can make a difference in someone’s life.

My upbringing shaped my personality and interests, fostering a passion for social justice, community engagement, and environmental protection. These values continue to drive me in my journey as a coffee entrepreneur, where I strive to make a positive impact on both the people and the planet.

Pricing:

• Washed – 8oz $15.99
• Yellow Honey – 8oz $22.99
• Black Honey – 8oz $30.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://atabeycoffee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atabeycoffeeroasters/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Atabeycoffee/
• Other: https://g.page/r/CbOuLEmcppv5EB0/review

Image Credits
Headshot picture was taken by Trend Dang – IG @trentdangphoto The rest of the pictures belong to me, I took them myself with my NikonCam or asked someone to take a photo with my cell.