Check Out Jesikah Perez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesikah Perez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all began when I was about three years old, and my mom let me try her morning cup of coffee. I slowly began stealing more and more of her precious drink, and eventually she began making me my own cup around 6 years old. Growing up I always had a cup, of either Starbucks, Dutch Bros, or my own brew.
Now that I am much older, and much more educated on the coffee world, I have made it my life mission to help save the coffee world, by helping smallholder coffee producers and educating others about the reality of the 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 not. When I first learned of all the labor and human rights issues that goes on behind the coffee trees, I was shattered. I felt as though I had contributed to something so disgusting and terrible that I nearly stopped drinking coffee all together. Until, I started learning about organic coffee, and major nonprofits/certifications that are making a positive mark on the new world of coffee. The biggest struggle thus far has been finding support. Sadly, coffee shops are also struggling, and are barely able to provide support to the coffee farmers themselves. In my opinion, the largest issue is the lack of education about where coffee comes from overall, most people are entirely unaware of the deep-rooted issues happening in coffee communities around the world.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a human/workers rights advocate for coffee workers, as well as an innovative entrepreneur. I specialize in educating others about the coffee industry, community, and help to work towards a better future of coffee for all.
I am known for never shutting up about the coffee industry, and I never will. I strive to be the Jane Goodall of the coffee world.
I am most proud of the risks I have taken to get to where I am now.
Back in April of 2024 my partner and I left AZ to travel with a stranger I met on the internet to the most dangerous country in Latin America, Honduras.
Our mission was to investigate the root causes of the problems within the industry. The stranger turned friend, Tom Hackett, was the founder of the nonprofit I was an advisor of, Coffee Homes (now shut down due to lack of funding). We helped to provide housing for coffee working families in Honduras and Colombia.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Never give up. Find your passion, find your drive, and gear up for a hell of a ride. I wish someone would have told me to trust my gut more often. People will call your ideas crazy, call you insane, or even mock your passion, but what they don’t know is that is what makes you special. Keep striving to do better, be bigger, and move with purpose.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Standbehindthebean
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17zn5Xn82U/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesikah-perez-2336562aa?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Jesikah Perez