DARI ES JERUK PERAS SAMPE KE KOPI | KITONG WARAS

Summary

This inspiring story chronicles the journey of a young entrepreneur in Papua, from selling es jeruk to building a thriving coffee business. Overcoming societal pressures and personal insecurities, the speaker highlights the significance of mentorship, resilience, and local community support. Magic Coffee, the business that emerged, not only champions quality coffee but also uplifts local farmers, making a significant impact on the Papuan economy. A tale of persistence, growth, and the power of believing in oneself.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker started their entrepreneurial journey by selling es jeruk (orange juice) after high school, marking the beginning of their business venture.
• 😀 The transition to the coffee business was influenced by a mentor who introduced the speaker to the world of Papua coffee, despite initial lack of knowledge.
• 😀 The speaker initially felt overwhelmed by the complexity of coffee preparation, but slowly gained confidence through persistence and learning.
• 😀 The first coffee-related business venture was selling bottled drinks online during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on unique flavors like gula aren coffee.
• 😀 Magic Coffee, the physical coffee shop, was self-funded without external financial help, emphasizing the importance of personal effort over relying on proposals or government aid.
• 😀 The speaker encountered feelings of embarrassment and societal pressure, especially when peers were pursuing more conventional paths like civil service or police careers.
• 😀 Overcoming the fear of judgment and societal expectations was a major hurdle, but the speaker learned to embrace their work despite initial discomfort.
• 😀 The name 'Magic Coffee' was chosen because of the 'magical' transformation the speaker experienced from selling es jeruk to opening a coffee shop.
• 😀 The speaker's long-term goal is to not only promote Papua coffee but to support local farmers by creating a steady market for their products and improving the coffee supply chain.
• 😀 Despite challenges such as local conflicts affecting coffee-growing regions, the speaker remains hopeful about the growth potential of Papua coffee and the positive impact on local farmers.

Q & A

How did the speaker transition from selling orange juice to opening a coffee shop?

The speaker transitioned from selling orange juice to opening a coffee shop after meeting a mentor, 'Kak Alo,' who taught him about the coffee industry. He initially had little knowledge of coffee but became interested after learning from Kak Alo about coffee's history and proper brewing methods. The transition was gradual, starting with adding coffee to his orange juice business before focusing more on coffee.

What role did community support play in the speaker's journey?

Community support was crucial to the speaker's success. Kak Alo, a mentor in the community, shared invaluable knowledge about coffee and business management. This guidance helped the speaker grow his skills and confidence. Additionally, support from friends and family played a role in sustaining his business.

What were the initial struggles the speaker faced when starting his business?

The speaker faced significant challenges, such as overcoming feelings of pride and embarrassment when selling orange juice. He also struggled with self-doubt, particularly when starting a new venture like coffee. Despite the initial difficulty, he persevered and eventually became comfortable with the business.

Why did the speaker choose to avoid seeking financial assistance from the government?

The speaker believed that relying on government funding through proposals would not lead to long-term success. He emphasized the importance of building a business from the ground up, starting small and gradually scaling up, rather than waiting for external help.

What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on the speaker's business?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the speaker adapted by shifting to online sales and delivering bottled coffee to customers. This change helped sustain the business during a time when in-person sales were challenging. Despite these difficulties, the business continued to grow as people became more familiar with the coffee.

What is the significance of the name 'Magic Coffee' for the speaker's business?

The name 'Magic Coffee' was chosen because the speaker felt it represented the unexpected and transformative nature of his journey. He went from selling orange juice to opening a coffee shop, which he viewed as a 'magic' moment in his life. Additionally, the name plays on the idea of 'magic' in coffee, symbolizing the art and skill behind making the perfect cup.

How did the speaker manage to fund his initial business ventures?

The speaker funded his initial business ventures through part-time work as a security guard while attending school. He saved up small amounts over time to buy the necessary equipment for selling orange juice. This savings strategy allowed him to start his business without relying on large loans or external investments.

What were the main selling points of the speaker's bottled coffee?

The speaker's bottled coffee was sold in three main variants: plain coffee, non-coffee beverages, and a special coffee blend with gula aren (palm sugar). The gula aren coffee became a signature drink, popular among customers. He used premium ingredients, including high-quality chocolate for the mocha variant.

How did the speaker handle competition in the coffee business?

Rather than fearing competition, the speaker viewed it as an opportunity to grow. He believed that creating more competitors would benefit the industry as a whole, helping to popularize coffee culture and increase demand. His focus remained on providing quality products and building a strong brand.

What is the future outlook for Papua's coffee industry, according to the speaker?

The speaker sees a bright future for Papua's coffee industry. He believes that as more outlets open and people become more knowledgeable about authentic Papua coffee, demand will increase, helping local farmers. The growth of the coffee culture in Papua could lead to greater economic opportunities for farmers and businesses alike.