We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Sandoval recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
Our intuition for finding the best quality of coffee took us back to our roots.
We quickly realized that our product had real stories and life experiences that needed to be told.
Melissa Sandoval is a journalist and coffee enthusiast who was born in Medellín, Colombia. She returned to her home country in 2021 and immediately fell in love with the stories of the local coffee farmers.
Our countryside community sees coffee as a lifestyle, which has been embraced from generation to the next regardless of the difficulties and the lack of resources.
We pride ourselves on our ethical sourcing making sure that paying our local farmers is focused on sustainability because we know every seed planted is a gift from the land.
Working directly with local farmers in places like Antioquia, Intuición Café has launched five different types of specialty coffee that has been graded 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale by the The Specialty Coffee Association (SCAA)
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Intuicion Cafe is a mobile coffee cart with full-service espresso bar in the greater San Diego Area. We do coffee catering to corporate events, weddings, private parties, religious clebrations and more. our slogan is : “Transporting your senses on a savoring journey through the craft of coffee.”
Intuicion Cafe envisions a future where exceptional coffee and meaningful connections grace every event in the greater San Diego Area. We are dedicated to crafting an unforgettable and revitalizing experience, complemented by an outstanding cup of coffee.
Our pride lies in ethical sourcing, ensuring fair compensation for our local Colombian farmers with a keen focus on sustainability, recognizing that each planted seed is a precious gift from the land.
Inspired by nature, we meticulously hand-select, process, and roast our cherries in small batches, delivering a fresh and meaningful experience to your special gathering.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Certainly! In the realm of mobile coffee and online businesses, several factors have contributed to building my reputation within the market.
Firstly, I believe consistency in delivering high-quality products and services plays a pivotal role. Whether it’s serving freshly brewed coffee from our mobile cart or ensuring a seamless online ordering experience, maintaining consistency in every interaction fosters trust and reliability among customers.
Secondly, fostering a strong brand identity has been crucial. From the design of our mobile coffee cart to the aesthetic appeal of our online platform, a cohesive brand image helps us stand out amidst competition and leaves a lasting impression on customers.
Additionally, prioritizing customer satisfaction and engagement has been instrumental. Actively seeking feedback, addressing concerns promptly, and going the extra mile to exceed expectations not only fosters loyalty but also generates positive word-of-mouth recommendations, further enhancing our reputation.
Moreover, leveraging digital marketing channels effectively has enabled us to reach a wider audience and establish ourselves as a reputable player in the industry. From engaging social media campaigns to targeted online advertisements, strategic use of digital platforms has helped us stay relevant and visible in a crowded market landscape.
Lastly, building partnerships and collaborations within the community has been beneficial. Whether it’s collaborating with local businesses for joint promotions or participating in community events, forging meaningful connections not only strengthens our brand presence but also reinforces our commitment to supporting the local community.
In essence, a combination of consistency, strong branding, customer-centric approach, digital marketing efforts, and community engagement has been instrumental in building and sustaining our reputation within the mobile coffee and online business market
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One particular instance that stands out in our Colombian coffee business journey is the challenges we faced during a period of unexpected weather fluctuations.
In Colombia, where coffee cultivation is deeply ingrained in the cultural and economic fabric, weather plays a crucial role in determining the success of coffee crops. A few years ago, our region experienced an unprecedented spell of erratic weather patterns, including unseasonal rains and unexpected temperature fluctuations. These conditions posed a significant threat to our coffee plants, jeopardizing our entire harvest for the year.
Despite the initial shock and concern, our team rallied together with unwavering determination and resilience. We quickly implemented innovative strategies to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather conditions. This involved closely monitoring weather forecasts, implementing protective measures such as covering crops during heavy rains, and adjusting our cultivation techniques to adapt to the changing climate conditions.
Despite the setbacks, our perseverance and resilience paid off. Through sheer determination and hard work, we were able to salvage a significant portion of our coffee harvest. While the yields may not have been as abundant as in previous years, the experience taught us invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community support.
Looking back, overcoming the challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions not only strengthened our resolve but also reaffirmed our commitment to producing high-quality Colombian coffee sustainably. It serves as a testament to our resilience as a business and our unwavering dedication to delivering excellence, come what may.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.intuicioncafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuicioncafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intuicioncafecom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@intuicioncafe3297
Image Credits
Alexis Photography