Episode 142 – Coffee N5 – A Fashionable Brew from Catwalk to Coffee with Maria Palacio
Delve into an inspiring blend of fashion and coffee on this episode of Coffee N° 5 as Lara welcomes Maria Palacio, a visionary Colombian coffee farmer with an incredible journey to share. Explore Maria’s unique path that bridges her passion for fashion with her love for coffee and how she broke new ground while honoring tradition. Discover the profound connection between coffee and community, and gain insights into Maria’s remarkable journey of acquiring the skills and capital needed to grow Progeny Coffee. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship, also the enduring ties that bind us to our roots. Don’t miss this compelling conversation!
We’ll talk about:
- Connecting fashion and coffee
- Maria Palacio’s unique coffee story
- How she gained the skills and capital to grow Progeny Coffee
- How to break new ground while respecting tradition
- The link between community and coffee
- Tips for start-ups to manage capital
For more information, visit Progeny Coffee’s website.
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About Maria Palacio
Maria Jose Palacio is a visionary fifth-generation Colombian coffee farmer with an unwavering passion for empowering her community. Born and raised in a celebrated coffee region of Colombia, Maria spent several years working in design in New York City before her heart led her back to her roots in 2016. Witnessing the struggles of her loved ones in Colombia to make a living through coffee farming, Maria knew she certainly had to take action by co-founding Progeny Coffee. With a fierce commitment to uplifting others, Maria overcame numerous small business obstacles to co-create a thriving distribution platform that empowers coffee farmers while lifting them out of poverty. At the heart of Maria’s mission is the belief that education and entrepreneurship are vital to the success of these communities.
Her innovative approach and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as she indeed has been recognized on numerous esteemed lists, including Forbes Next 1000, Inc. Magazine’s 100 Female Founders of 2020, Mujeres Imparables by Telemundo, and SFA’s 12 under 35 Breakout Talent to Watch. Maria’s inspiring story is also featured in the latest book, “The New Latina – 100 Millennials Shaping the World.” and awarded the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by the USHCC in 2022, among many others.
Through her dedication to education and entrepreneurship, Maria has built a remarkable legacy that certainly continues to inspire and uplift communities around the world.
