Brayam Martínez
Barista, entrepreneur
In the quaint town of El Refugio, Ahuachapán, Brayam Martínez’s journey from an improvised café to a celebrated specialty coffee shop reflects the power of innovation and community spirit. As one of the owners of El Refugio Specialty Coffee Shop, Brayam has transformed his passion for coffee into a thriving business that embraces sustainable practices and community values.
Humble Beginnings and Big Dreams
El Refugio Specialty Coffee Shop started modestly in a garage, furnished with recycled wood boxes and pallet furniture. At first, it operated as a typical café, using a capsule machine and a basic coffee maker. However, Brayam and his family harbored dreams of creating something more unique—a space dedicated to the art of specialty coffee.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a turning point. With the world slowing down, Brayam saw an opportunity to rethink and rebuild. During this period, he received valuable support from Cáritas Santa Ana, which provided administrative advice and a scholarship to train at the RENACER Coffee School. This was a transformative experience that set the stage for the café’s evolution into a hub for specialty coffee.
Education and Transformation at RENACER
At RENACER, Brayam immersed himself in the world of specialty coffee. He took courses in Barista Skills, Coffee Cupping, and Coffee Farm Management, gaining a deep appreciation for the intricacies of coffee preparation and sustainable agriculture. It was here that he learned about the Blue Harvest initiative, which emphasizes sustainable farming practices to protect water resources and enhance coffee quality.
Armed with this new knowledge and vision, Brayam and his family decided to remodel their café. They embraced a minimalist design and renamed their business El Refugio Specialty Coffee Shop to reflect their commitment to offering high-quality coffee. The shop, originally named “Leche Café,” now stood as a symbol of their refined focus and dedication.
Expanding Horizons Beyond Coffee
The transformation didn’t stop with the coffee. Through management training provided by the PROSPERA Project, Brayam and his team expanded their culinary offerings. This allowed them to diversify their menu and improve business management, turning the café into a comprehensive dining experience.
Collaboration with other local cafés, which Brayam affectionately calls “sister cafés,” has been instrumental in their growth. These partnerships foster an exchange of knowledge about coffee and cuisine, enabling them to continually enhance their offerings and introduce new dishes.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Brayam dreams of cultivating his own coffee and opening new branches of El Refugio under the same sustainable and socially responsible model. He envisions a business that not only produces exceptional coffee but also values its workers and supports the local economy.
Brayam is deeply committed to the principles of the social economy and local consumption. El Refugio Specialty Coffee Shop prides itself on supporting local producers and ensuring fair wages for its employees. This ethos reflects a broader commitment to community and environmental stewardship.
Gratitude and Community Impact
Brayam credits RAÍCES EL SALVADOR and its partners for their support throughout his entrepreneurial journey. Their guidance has been crucial in transforming El Refugio into a unique café that stands as a testament to the power of community-driven business.
His story is a reminder that with passion, knowledge, and community support, it’s possible to create a business that not only thrives but also makes a positive impact on its surroundings.
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