About Umunyana Coffee

If you had told me years ago that I would be launching my own coffee brand, I probably would have laughed, taken a sip of my coffee, and carried on with my day. But here we are. Umunyana Coffee isn’t just about selling coffee, it’s about reclaiming a story, rewriting history, and honoring the generations that came before me.

From Rwanda to Los Angeles: Coffee as Resistance and Connection

I was born in Rwanda, a country where coffee isn’t just a morning ritual, it’s woven into the fabric of our history, economy, and survival. The volcanic soil of Rwanda’s highlands grows some of the world’s finest coffee, yet for much of its history, this coffee wasn’t ours to enjoy.

During colonial rule, coffee production in Rwanda was never about us. It was imposed on Rwandan farmers by Belgian colonial authorities in the early 20th century, who forced coffee cultivation as a cash crop for export. Farmers were given little to no control over their land, their labor, or their livelihoods. The best coffee left Rwanda, enriching foreign markets, while our people remained in poverty, paid barely enough to survive. Even after Rwanda gained independence, the global coffee trade continued to favor large corporations and middlemen, leaving small farmers (especially women) struggling to break free from this cycle.

So, as a Rwandan woman, launching Umunyana Coffee is deeply personal. It’s about more than just coffee, it’s about reclaiming our narrative, honoring our farmers, and ensuring that Rwandan coffee benefits Rwandans first. It’s about making sure that the women growing these beans, women like my ancestors, are not just surviving, but thriving.

The Name Umunyana and What It Means

My name, Umunyana, was given to me by my grandmother, a woman who didn’t survive the genocide, but whose strength lives on in me. In Rwanda, Umunyana means something or someone you see once in a lifetime, like a lucky charm. It’s a name that carries love, legacy, and the belief that coffee, like people, has the power to change lives.

The People Who Make This Possible

Umunyana Coffee isn’t just my dream, it’s been built with love, support, and a community of incredible people.

My husband, Alex Anderson, has been my biggest supporter and advisor, helping me believe in this dream even when it felt overwhelming.

My amazing friends and neighbors, who have taste-tested every batch, given me honest feedback, and shown up when I needed them most. And who connected me to our amazing local roaster Jon and who made this whole journey feel possible.

This isn’t just a business, it’s a movement fueled by love, community, and a deep respect for the craft of coffee.

What Makes Umunyana Coffee Special?

Reclaiming Rwandan Coffee: This isn’t just coffee; it’s a statement. It’s about ensuring that Rwandan farmers especially women” finally benefit from the global appreciation of our beans.

Ethically Sourced, Women-Powered: We work directly with women farmers in Rwanda, ensuring fair pay, sustainability, and a dignified livelihood.

Locally Roasted in Los Angeles: Thanks to our incredible local roaster, every batch is roasted fresh and full of bold, complex flavors.

Inspired by Heritage & Ritual: Each roast is named after a goddess, honoring the strength and beauty that coffee represents”.

More Than Coffee: It is a Connection with every cup, you are supporting a bigger story” one of resilience, empowerment, and cultural celebration.

Join Us on This Journey

If you’ve made it this far, you are already part of Umunyana Coffee’s story. Whether you are here for the love of a good cup, the mission behind the beans, or just a brand that feels like home, you belong here.

So, let’s share a cup. Let’s celebrate every sip, every story, and every connection that coffee brings.

Welcome to Umunyana Coffee, where every cup is a journey and every sip is a step toward justice.

Let’s brew something beautiful!