Shark Tank Entrepreneur | Coffee Company Founder | Harvard MBA
Entrepreneur 100 Women of Influence | Philanthropist
Margaret Nyamumbo grew up on a coffee farm in Kenya, where she witnessed the stark inequalities in the coffee industry—women provided 90% of the labor but owned only 1% of the land. Her grandfather, a driver for the colonial government, managed to obtain seedlings to start his own coffee farm, instilling in her a deep connection to the land and its produce. After studying abroad in the USA and earning an MBA from Harvard, Margaret returned to Kenya with a vision to transform the coffee industry. She founded Kahawa 1893, a company dedicated to bringing Kenyan coffee to the world while ensuring that women farmers benefit from their labor. Kahawa 1893 has grown rapidly, with its products available in major retailers like Trader Joe's, Target, and The Fresh Market.
Margaret’s journey to entrepreneurship was driven by her desire to correct the imbalances she observed growing up. She is committed to empowering women farmers by providing them with fair compensation and opportunities for growth.
Her innovative approach includes the use of blockchain technology to ensure transparency and fairness in the coffee trade, as well as a QR code system that allows customers to tip farmers directly in cash or cryptocurrency.
Margaret’s pitch on "Shark Tank" highlighted the outdated nature of the coffee trade and her mission to change it. She successfully secured investment from Emma Grede, the first Black woman investor on the show, further propelling her dream of disrupting the coffee supply chain.
Throughout her career, Margaret has leveraged her skills in finance, consulting, and startups to solve problems, design products, and drive growth. Her experience spans roles at Citi, the World Bank, and Analysis Group, where she honed her analytical and business acumen.
Margaret's story is a testament to the power of digital technologies and their potential to transform industries. By optimizing the coffee supply chain and supporting access to credit for Kenyan women, Kahawa 1893 has made significant strides in promoting economic empowerment in coffee-producing regions.
Margaret Nyamumbo's dedication to her community and her innovative approach to business have made her a trailblazer in the coffee industry. Her work ensures that women farmers receive the recognition and rewards they deserve, creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Through her leadership and vision, Margaret continues to inspire and drive positive change, proving that with determination and the right tools, one can indeed transform lives and industries.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @maggykemunto @kahawa1893
LinkedIn: Margaret Nyamumbo
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