Reflecting on our journey, I can hardly believe how far we've come as a family from Philadelphia, and Karina from Medellin. What began as a three-week trip during the pandemic transformed into years of dedication, struggle, and ultimately, the birth of Empasó in the lush mountains of Colombia.
When we first arrived, we were international refugees, navigating a world turned upside down. With no experience in import-export, we faced countless challenges. Transitioning from city life in to a more sustainable, indigenous way of living was daunting. I remember the early days of cultivating our own food, tending to chickens, and learning to navigate the complexities of the jungle with our children by our side and Arhuaco tribal elders. There were moments of fear as we encountered scorpions and poisonous snakes, but each experience taught us something new about resilience and coexistence.
Establishing our enterprise, Comercializadora Internacional Heirloma, S.A.S., was a monumental task. We set out to create a vertically integrated operation that sources directly from remote family farmers. Our FDA food-grade facility is nestled in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in a region with no other production facilities. It felt like stepping into uncharted territory, but we were determined to make it work.
Bringing our offerings to the U.S. market required launching Paso & Pour, LLC, which is our importer and distributor under the brand of Empasó. The labor of love that goes into this venture is immense. Yet, every time I see our products enjoyed by culinary, coffee, and tea enthusiasts in the United States, I feel a sense of fulfillment that makes every struggle worthwhile.
One of our driving motivations throughout this journey has been the understanding that it’s not just about business. It’s about forging meaningful relationships and fostering a community built on shared values. I’ve learned that eliminating middlemen allows us to connect more deeply with both our farmers and customers, creating a network rooted in trust and collaboration.
As I look to the future, I am filled with optimism and gratitude for everything we've experienced. Each challenge has served as a valuable lesson, and every victory has been a celebration of our hard work. I invite everyone to join us in sharing our story, supporting our mission, and incorporating our products into their homes. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people throughout Colombia. This journey has been transformative, and I am excited to keep building something truly special alongside my family and community in both Philadelphia and Colombia.
Hustino Mitchel: Co-Founder
Our journey at Empasó has been profoundly influenced by the timeless wisdom of the indigenous people inhabiting the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mystical destination and the world's highest coastal mountain range. Within this unspoiled 1,667,961-acre indigenous reserve, we truly feel one with nature, as the land remains protected and closed to the public, preserving its integrity and the way of life of those who have lived here for thousands of years. By collaborating with local farmers, we reconnect with meaning, employing sustainable practices that safeguard biodiversity and support local economies. Through ethical sourcing and fair compensation, we honor the traditions that sustain these resilient ecosystems, planting beyond our needs and giving beyond our means to create a legacy of sustainability and interdependence in this remarkable UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Our practices are designed to work in harmony with the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, ensuring that we respect and enhance the unique ecological characteristics of this remarkable region.
We forge strong partnerships with indigenous communities and local farmers, drawing on their deep-rooted knowledge to create a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural model.
We prioritize innovative resource management strategies that focus on conserving water, enhancing soil fertility, and maintaining the health of local ecosystems for future generations.
Our approach to ethical sourcing emphasizes direct relationships with farmers, ensuring fair compensation and fostering practices that protect the land while benefiting local communities.
Cascara, the dried skins of coffee cherries, is revolutionizing our coffee experience with its unique flavor and health benefits. Discover how this refreshing alternative is transforming the way we enjoy our favorite brew!
You’re in! Get ready for the inside scoop on our next culinary drops and harvest dates—because who doesn’t want to be first in line?
