About
Liliana Castro, CO-Founder/Shellsea
CafeOquia was born from the intersection of a passion for coffee and my love for my daughter with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Shellsea was diagnosed with an IDD and multiple medical conditions at a very young age, with an unknown genetic disease or syndrome that remains unidentified to this day. Throughout her 30 years, the uncertainty of what comes next or when new symptoms will appear has been my battle to seek answers.
My daughter has come a long way with chronic reflux, having a feeding tube until she was 25 years old, having an unknown white cell autoimmune disease until she was 7 years old, with contractions in her hand, arm, and legs, and abnormalities in her palate and face, among other medical conditions, it has been tough to deal with. When she was diagnosed with glaucoma at such a young age, it took me by surprise. All the surgeries and every needle injected into her have left scars in my heart forever. I hope that one day, we can find someone like her to find some answers and help others with unidentified genetic conditions.
Shellsea is my hero and shows me daily that today is all we have and that the sun will come out tomorrow, bringing a new beginning for hope, as it says in her favorite classic song from Annie's Movie, "Tomorrow." Seeking support for my daughter's better quality of life led me back to my roots in Colombia, where childhood memories of my aunt's farm, surrounded by coffee plants and animals, made me smile.
Combining my passion for coffee with a desire to support families like mine made me partner with Jeeyoung to start CafeOquia's journey. Shellsea became an integral part of the business, making boxes, packing orders, and designing colorful coffee labels when she could. Her involvement boosted her confidence and challenged perceptions about the capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Our mission is clear: donate all profits to support and provide resources for families affected by intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and genetics research institutions. CafeOquia will sponsor support groups and provide educational resources for families navigating similar challenges through non-profit organizations like the Dan Marino Foundation. As the business grows, so will its positive impact on the IDD community and their families.
My kitchen table, once a simple space for Shellsea's bean arrangements and for me to take a sip of coffee, breathe, think, and pray for what's coming next, transformed into the heart of a movement, brewing changes one cup at a time.
Our Mission
Our mission is to sell premium coffee beans, dedicating our profits to support programs and activities for individuals in need. By purchasing our coffee, customers directly contribute to enhancing the quality of life and fostering a more inclusive understanding society.
We ensure that our contribution to non-profit organizations counts to create more inclusive, understanding world by providing counseling, mental health resources, vital life skill training, social skill development, vocational programs and innovative education and awareness programs.
By choosing CafeOquia, you're not just enjoying premium coffee; you're supporting a future where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can find their place in the world.
Taste the difference! Make a difference!
“CafeOquia – where inclusion is always brewing.”
Jeeyoung Kim, CO- Founder
I had always dreamed of adventure beyond the bustling streets of Seoul since I was a little girl. When I first visited Colombia, the lush coffee plantations and warm hospitality captivated my heart. I fell in love not just with the rich aroma of Colombian coffee, but with the entire culture surrounding it. We travelled to various areas in Colombia, and I was fascinated that many towns were located at higher altitudes than any mountains in South Korea. While visiting small coffee farms and sharing freshly brewed cups with locals in Jerico, it dawned on me that coffees can be a bridge between worlds – connecting the rich aromatic highlands of Colombia with the vibrant, diverse communities of individuals with IDD, autism and mental illness.
Witnessing Shellsea with intellectual and neurological challenges, her daily struggles and the undying emotional support by Liliana inspired me to make a difference. I combined my passion for coffee with my desire to establish a small coffee bean business with Liliana that would support individuals with disabilities like Shellsea. This venture faced numerous obstacles, from ordering wrong sized bags to overcoming cultural barriers, to say the least. However, my perseverance paid off. My unique blend of Korean work ethics and Colombian coffee expertise resulted in a launching a business that not only sources exceptional coffee but also provides meaningful support for families like ours.
