From Wall Street to Coffee Fields: The Story Of A Visionary’s $3 Million Coffee Business

Kahawa 1893 Founder. Margaret Nyamumbo. Courtesy photo.

Margaret Nyamumbo’s journey from Wall Street to the coffee fields of Kenya is nothing short of inspiring.

At just 36, Nyamumbo has transformed her life from a high-powered investment banker to the founder of Kahawa 1893, a coffee company that raked in over $3 million in revenue in 2023.

Nyamumbo’s story is a testament to her bold vision and deep-rooted commitment to her heritage. Despite growing up in a family of Kenyan coffee farmers, it wasn’t until her time in America, where she earned an MBA from Harvard and worked in investment banking, that she realized her potential in the coffee industry.

Kahawa 1893, named after the Swahili word for coffee and the year coffee was first cultivated in Kenya, has become a beacon of success and social impact.

The idea for Kahawa 1893 was born from Nyamumbo’s desire to honor the women who have been integral to the coffee industry in Kenya.

She observed firsthand that much of the labor in coffee farming was performed by women, yet they often received little recognition or reward. With Kahawa 1893, Nyamumbo set out to change this narrative by creating a business model that supports and empowers these women.

Each coffee bag features a QR code allowing customers to tip the farmers directly, connecting consumers to the source of their coffee and fostering a greater sense of global community.

Nyamumbo’s leap from Wall Street was met with skepticism from her parents, who initially viewed coffee as a less prestigious career choice compared to her previous finance role.

However, her determination and passion drove her to make Kahawa 1893 a success.

“I was working more than when I was in banking, but it didn’t feel the same because I was essentially doing many different things and I loved what I was doing,” Nyamumbo recalls in an interview with CNBC Make It.

Despite the initial challenges, including financial struggles and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kahawa 1893 found its breakthrough when it secured a deal with Trader Joe’s.

This opportunity not only provided significant exposure but also validated Nyamumbo’s vision.

“We were going to be the first Black-owned coffee brand in Trader Joe’s,” she proudly notes.

The partnership marked a turning point, leading to further collaborations with major retailers like Target and Sprouts.

Nyamumbo’s commitment to her craft is evident in her hands-on approach to the business. She is involved in every aspect of Kahawa 1893, from selecting the coffee beans to roasting and marketing.

Her dedication is matched by a strategic focus on expanding distribution to reach more households and create a broader impact.

Looking ahead, Nyamumbo remains focused on growth and social impact. Her success with Kahawa 1893 not only reflects her entrepreneurial spirit but also highlights the positive change that can be achieved through mindful business practices and a deep connection to one’s roots.

Nyamumbo’s journey is a powerful reminder of how following one’s passion, combined with a commitment to giving back, can lead to extraordinary achievements.

As Kahawa 1893 continues to thrive, Nyamumbo’s story will undoubtedly inspire future entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities.