ABOUT TIERRA58 UK
Hi! My name is Marcella and I am an Anglo-Guatemalan fourth-generation roaster from Bournemouth, whose family have been growing and producing coffee since 1958. From my first cup of coffee as a child, to visiting the family farm bought by my great-grandfather, Jorge Vides, at the tender age of 6, I always knew that coffee would become a central part of my life beyond that simple morning brew.
In 2019, I was lucky enough to attend the World of Coffee event in Berlin where I got my first true taste of the wonders of the specialty coffee world. Accompanied by Luis, a dear member of the Vides58 production team in Guatemala, I got an inspiring introduction to the processes involved in production, roasting and cupping, which only deepened my desire to become a part of the industry. During my annual trip visiting family in Guatemala City, I took time to visit the Vides58 lab, where I was taught by the incredibly talented team about just what it takes to produce, export and roast green coffee - ultimately motivating me to jump, head-first, into this exciting new venture.
So, after completing an MA in Translation (my other true love) and realising I wanted to pursue both of these fields of passion, I knew I had to make the most of taking on the unique opportunity of not solely working alongside my family on the other side of the world, but to also share our delicious coffees from Huehuetenango with you.
After a few years of dedicated study to expand my knowledge of every facet of the expansive, exciting, and ever-growing coffee industry (including nearly two years working as a barista at Little Perth, a stunning florist and specialty coffee shop in Bournemouth to which I currently dedicate part of my week) I'm now incredibly proud to finally be able to share these incredible experiences and products that come from places and people close to my heart.
All my love and gratitude to my wonderful family and the team in Guatemala for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity, and for allowing me to bring Tierra58 to the rest of the world.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about my experience in getting to this stage, I appreciate every bit of support!
HISTORY
"In 1958, Jorge Vides, the patriarch of the family, founded Finca La Bolsa; a coffee plantation located in La Libertad, Huehuetenango. While being a full time doctor, working Monday through Friday and constantly scheduling visits to his patients from various regions of the country, the farm was his real hobby. His passion for health led him to become Director of the National Hospital of Huehuetenango, which to this day, bears his name. Jorge Vides bought this land, which was then covered in forests, and proceeded to cultivate bourbon and caturra coffee varieties. His humanitarian sense extended beyond coffee production. In 1980, he founded a school that still runs on the farm, which has since been named after him and authorised by Ministry of Education. Four years later, Anacafé named him 'Distinguished Coffee Grower' due to his success in production work."
