We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luz Dary Nino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Luz Dary , thanks for joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

As a new business owner, I find that one of the biggest challenges to profitability is definitely competing with large corporations. They have the advantage of scale, which allows them to offer lower prices in their products. But, if we take this challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate that small businesses care more about quality over lower prices.
To address this, we focus on sharing with consumers about the value of specialty coffee. We emphasize the unique flavors, ethical sourcing, and quality that come with our products. Sharing the story behind each coffee—such as the farmers and communities involved—helps customers understand more about our purpose of working directly with farmers.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a linguist and a passionate coffee lover, and I find joy in sports, yoga, meditation, and traveling. My journey into the coffee business is deeply rooted in my family history—my grandmother used to have coffee fields, and that inspired me every day.
Coffee is an excuse to create connections with people. After spending years in a corporate environment, I realized I needed a change for the sake of my mental health. This led me to create my own business, where I focus on offering high-quality coffee from my country of origin and sharing the experience with the world.
What truly sets me apart is my dedication to working with local communities in San Diego, and now coffee farmers in Colombia, where I proudly support under-appreciated regions such as Boyacá. I’m committed to creating relationships with these farmers and would love to connect with more women in the coffee industry, as I believe we can uplift each other and create a more equitable future for all in this field.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding my business was quite the journey!
I had been contemplating leaving my corporate role at Apple. Then, earlier this year, we received news that the company would be relocating to Austin. For some, this was exciting, but for me, it was a turning point. The same day I was notified about the move, I made the decision to leave Apple and seize the opportunity to start working on my business.

I’m very grateful to have worked for such an incredible company, where I met wonderful and talented people who inspired me along the way. I used the severance offer along with my stock options to provide the initial capital needed for my venture. This financial support allowed me to focus on sourcing quality coffee and building relationships with farmers. Additionally, my husband has supported me from day one. His encouragement not only provided financial backing but also reinforced my commitment to making this dream a reality.

It was a challenging but ultimately rewarding process that taught me the importance of following my heart and taking risks. I’m excited to see how this journey unfolds as I pour my passion into creating a business that reflects my values. Wishing my ex-coworkers the best luck in their new journeys.

Any advice for managing a team?

Working with a team and maintaining high morale is all about creating a positive and respectful environment. My key advice is to treat everyone as human beings who deserve respect. Encouraging open communication is essential. Create a culture where feedback is welcomed and valued—both giving and receiving it. This not only helps individuals grow but also strengthens the team as a whole.

Additionally, do what resonates with your soul. When you lead with passion and authenticity, it inspires others to do the same. Ultimately, when team members feel respected, supported, and engaged, they are more likely to contribute positively and collaborate effectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lumierecc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumierecafe.co
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luz-dary-niño-ortiz/

Image Credits

Aaron D.