We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mahelet Kassa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mahelet below.

Mahelet , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for Zoma Coffee started with a simple observation. High-quality, culturally authentic coffee experiences were hard to find, especially ones that honored the story behind the beans. Growing up in Ethiopia, coffee was never just a beverage. It was a ritual, a story, a moment to connect with others. When I moved to the U.S., I realized that most coffee experiences here were fast, transactional, and disconnected from their origins. I wanted to create something different. I wanted a business that didn’t just sell coffee, but celebrated it, educated people about it, and gave them a connection to the culture and craft behind every cup. That’s how Zoma Coffee began.

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

I’m Mahelet, the founder of Zoma Coffee and NovaElite. My journey started with a love for coffee and education, two things that have always been central to my life. Growing up in Ethiopia, coffee wasn’t just a drink; it was a ritual, a story, a moment of connection. When I moved to the U.S., I noticed that coffee experiences here were fast, transactional, and disconnected from their origins. I wanted to create something different: a business that celebrates coffee, honors its story, and educates people about the craft and culture behind every cup. That’s how Zoma Coffee came to life.
Zoma Coffee provides premium, culturally authentic coffee experiences both through high-quality beans and curated events like coffee tastings and ceremonies. Beyond selling coffee, we aim to give people a connection to the source, an appreciation for the craft, and a sense of community around the experience.
At the same time, I founded NovaElite, a nonprofit that provides Ethiopian and immigrant youth access to coding and AI education opportunities that are often rare or unavailable in traditional educational systems. The vision is to create a cross-benefit ecosystem: Zoma Coffee helps fund NovaElite, while the innovation and creativity coming from NovaElite enrich the culture and story behind Zoma.
What sets my work apart is this intentionality. I’m not just running a business or a nonprofit. I’m building a sustainable ecosystem where culture, education, and entrepreneurship reinforce each other. I take pride in seeing the tangible impact: a coffee lover experiencing Zoma and feeling connected to its story, or a student taking their first steps in coding and realizing their potential.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Zoma Coffee is about more than coffee; it’s about storytelling, culture, and connection. NovaElite is about opportunity, mentorship, and growth. Together, they represent a vision I’m deeply committed to: creating meaningful experiences and empowering the next generation to innovate, lead, and thrive.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced with Zoma Coffee has been breaking into a saturated market. The Boston area is full of talented coffee roasters, many of whom have stronger networks and more resources to get their name out. Finding retailers or shops willing to carry Zoma Coffee wasn’t easy, and there were times it felt like I was constantly hitting walls.
Instead of letting that stop me, I created Zoma Coffee Lab, a unique experience where people can learn about coffee in a hands-on way. During the lab, participants explore different coffee profiles, taste variations, and gain a deeper understanding of coffee biodiversity and origin stories. It’s not just about drinking coffee; it’s about appreciating the craft, the differences between beans, and the ecosystems that make each cup possible.
I started reaching out to corporate teams and organizations, offering the Coffee Lab as a service for team-building events, corporate gatherings, and special occasions. It was a way to differentiate Zoma, giving clients an experience they couldn’t get anywhere else while educating them about coffee in a meaningful way.
It hasn’t been easy; there were many “no’s,” long stretches of uncertainty, and moments when I doubted whether I could carve out a space in such a competitive market. But running these labs and seeing the excitement and curiosity they spark reminds me that resilience isn’t just about pushing forward, it’s about adapting, creating value, and finding opportunities in unexpected ways

Contact Info:

• Website: zomacoffeeroaster.com and Novaelie.org
• Instagram: @zoma_coffee_roaster
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahelet-kassa/