Sherryl Napit's journey in the coffee industry is a compelling story of entrepreneurial spirit fueled by a deep passion for the bean. Brew.Sip.Repeat interviews and explore Sherryl's evolution from barista to coffee roaster, from becoming UAE's Cup Tasters' Champion in 2021 to being a company founder, highlighting the key influences that shaped her vision for The Ore Coffee. It delves into The Ore Coffee's core values of farmer empowerment, consumer education, and fostering a thriving coffee community within the UAE.
BSR: Sherryl, tell us about how your passion for coffee began. What initially drew you into the coffee industry?
"It all started with a friend, Karthik Rajendran, the 2017 World Cezve Ibrik Coffee Champion" Sherryl explains. "He posted about winning the World Cezve Ibrik coffee competition on social media, which sparked my curiosity. I wanted to learn about coffee, so I became a barista. That's where my passion truly blossomed, surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee."
BSR: You mentioned mentors who played prominent roles in your journey. Can you elaborate on who they were and how they influenced you?
"Absolutely," Sherryl says. "My husband, Sitram Napit, has been my constant source of support and guidance. Additionally, I'm grateful to my previous employer, Abdo Bejjani of B Cafe, for the opportunity to learn coffee roasting. Their mentorship has been invaluable throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Mohamad Merhi of Cypher Coffee Roastery also serves as an entrepreneurial inspiration for how he grew his coffee business.
BSR: Launching a business can be challenging. What were some key hurdles you faced when starting The Ore Coffee?
"The initial wave of orders overwhelmed me," Sherryl admits. "There were mixed emotions - excitement mixed with feeling unprepared. Thankfully, someone helped me get back on track mentally and physically. Initially, I was focused solely on making a living and didn't grasp the full scope of running a business. Tasks like financial record-keeping and creating a roadmap seemed daunting. Additionally, I juggled a part-time job while fulfilling The Ore Coffee orders, and during this period, I learned a valuable lesson: prioritizing client commitments."
BSR: The Ore Coffee goes beyond just serving great coffee. Can you tell us about your company's core values?
"Coffee education and supporting farmers are at the heart of The Ore Coffee," Sherryl explains. "A recent trip to Ethiopia opened my eyes to the challenges of coffee producers. I saw firsthand the struggles from storage to processing. This experience fueled my desire to educate farmers on better practices. Additionally, fair pricing is crucial to ensure farmers receive a just reward for their efforts."
BSR: The UAE coffee scene has seen significant growth in recent years. How has it evolved?
"Education is much more accessible now," Sherryl observes. "There are collaborative coffee events and readily available resources like podcasts and YouTube channels. These fostered a more connected and informed community within the industry. Baristas are especially benefiting from this educational boom. They're delving deeper into coffee chemistry, troubleshooting issues more effectively, and approaching cupping with a more informed perspective."
BSR: What are you most proud of in your journey as an entrepreneur?
"Starting my own company was a huge accomplishment that took a lot of courage," Sherryl says. "Winning the UAE Cup Tasters Championship in 2021 was another source of pride. It serves as an inspiration for other women to pursue their dreams in this competitive field."
BSR: Finally, what does the future hold for The Ore Coffee? What are your aspirations for the company?
"We envision The Ore Coffee as a pillar in the UAE coffee scene," Sherryl shares. "We want to continue supporting coffee farmers and establish ourselves as a premier coffee education center dedicated to fostering the personal development of baristas. The word 'Ore' itself is symbolic. Just as ore represents rich deposits of minerals that nourish the earth, The Ore Coffee aims to nourish the coffee community."
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