She makes a difference, one fresh cup at a time
ROSEBANK – A love for coffee, people and a resilient spirit are just some of the things that define entrepreneur and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member, Maeshibe Marema.
The founder and owner of Maeshibe Coffee, a coffee brand with a difference and innate aim to give people a sense of belonging, is on a mission to change people’s lives – one freshly brewed cup at a time. “Starting this brand was only about me. It was also about creating employment.
What drove me to having this brand was to try and eliminate poverty among young people and people who are marginalised by society – women, children and disabled people,” said Marema. Marema’s love for coffee pushed her to establish her own brand of coffee a brand that is more than just a drink but relays a story of triumph over failure, love over hate and generosity over selfishness.
“It could’ve been champagne, it could’ve been gin, and it could’ve been anything but it had to be coffee because I love coffee. I wanted a different coffee and there was always something missing and something that I was yearning for that I couldn’t find in any other coffee. I wanted a certain flavour, texture and aroma but I couldn’t find it, hence I started mine.”
In staying true to her brand’s ethos of giving people a sense of belonging, Marema has collaborated with Rosebank’s St Vincent School for the Deaf to help train, employ and raise funds for hearing impaired baristas.
The partnership aims to train them to be great baristas and also teach people sign language at the same time. “I wanted to have a partnership with St Vincent School for the Deaf because you hardly see and hear about them.
Those were the people close to my heart and if could assist them with hearing aids and study materials that would be fluffing for me.” Marema’s commitment and dedication sees her dabbling between a day job, studying and running her own brand.
She said she wanted her brand to impart the skills she has learnt during her entrepreneurial journey. “It’s possible, it’s all about prioritising. We’re all given 24 hours in a day and it depends how you want to utilise your time. If you have a programme and stick to that programme, you can achieve anything.”
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