Meet Aura Matta

We were lucky to catch up with Aura Matta recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Aura , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

From the depths of my being, I unravel a story intertwined with threads of resilience. My parents were very young when I was born and shared my upbringing, I grew up as an only child amidst their turbulent circumstances. And as young as they were, they knew how to forge a foundation of resilience in me through their support. My mother is the embodiment of strength for me; she fueled my every aspiration with resilience, shed light on my darkest moments, and urged me to rise once again. Like a beacon, her unwavering belief in my potential is what motivates me to keep trying even in the face of uncertainty. That is the flame in me, that is resilience, that is what drives me forward with determination and vigor even when I am broken.

Resilience is my foundation as an immigrant. In the crucible of trials and loneliness, I unearthed the true essence of perseverance, tempered in my bravery as an immigrant. Because from that reality the burdens weigh twice as much, which I always share as an analogy of growing up in the world of two different families as a child, which I now see not as difficult situations, but as tests of tenacity and endurance. Each setback serves as a launching pad, propelling me to contemplate the path ahead, channeling the resilience instilled in me from childhood as a path to triumph.

Even now, as a business owner, when I have doubts, I remember my mother to keep going. Always willing to venture beyond the reach of comfort. That is my determination to defy the odds and create a legacy that reflects my dreams. I am now a testament to the power of resilience. In the midst of limitations, I hold on to the belief that I will make it happen, transforming my obstacles into opportunities.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a Colombian coffee producer passionate about sharing my family’s love of coffee with the world. With a background in accounting, finance, and foreign trade, I have integrated my experience into the coffee industry, focusing on quality and meticulous attention to detail.
My journey in the coffee and foreign trade sector began as a business consultant, helping coffee producers in the Magdalena region develop successful marketing and export strategies. Inspired by my family’s legacy and desire to create an extraordinary coffee experience, I founded Matta Café. This company represents a fusion of my roots, my business acumen, and my deep connection to coffee farming.
Matta Café stands out for its commitment to excellence, sourcing coffee exclusively from our family farm in the Sierra Nevada region of Colombia. Our recently opened coffee shop in Portland, Oregon reflects the lush beauty of the Colombian Caribbean, offering customers a sensorial journey through our tropical-flavored coffee. We are thrilled to expand our presence with a third specialty coffee shop in my hometown of Santa Marta, Colombia by fostering community connections and honoring our heritage. At Matta Café, I strive to revolutionize the coffee industry by bridging the gap between farmers and consumers, sharing the rich traditions and dedication behind every cup of coffee. Our sustainable farming practices ensure the highest quality, resulting in a delicious blend of flavors that encapsulate the essence of Colombian coffee culture.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have greatly influenced my career are a deep knowledge of the product, a strong work ethic inherited from my father, and a sense of community and generosity. To excel in a career, it is critical to have a deep understanding of the product or service being offered. This knowledge not only enhances credibility but also helps to identify key selling points and competitive advantages.
Secondly, a strong work ethic, instilled in me by my father, has been instrumental in my success. The passion and confidence he demonstrated in his work inspired me to strive for excellence and develop self-esteem in what I do. This work ethic has been the foundation on which I have built my career.
Lastly, recognizing the importance of community, generosity, and optimism has been a driving force in achieving success. Building a support network and giving back to others creates a positive environment that fosters growth and success.
For those starting out in their careers, my advice would be to believe in yourself, work diligently to develop expertise in your field, and cultivate a strong work ethic. Additionally, building relationships and supporting others along their path can create a collaborative and stimulating environment that contributes to long-term success. “it takes a village to succeed”

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I am currently running my own business from the financial and marketing side of things in two different countries, with two different languages ​​while at the same time pursuing my MBA in a completely different language than my first language, which means that 90% of my time I feel overwhelmed, especially around deadlines. So I understand that choosing to give myself time to manage priorities and set a clear goal is critical. It is essential to recognize that not everything needs an immediate response and that prioritizing tasks can lead to a more effective approach. By taking a step back and assessing the situation, I can determine what really matters and work to address those aspects first.
I have found that adapting to the situation and giving myself the space to re-evaluate my goals can help alleviate feelings of overwhelm. Recognizing when I need a break and giving myself time for self-care is key to maintaining a sense of balance and well-being. Embracing adaptability and having an optimistic outlook can contribute to a purpose-driven mindset, allowing for greater resilience and impact in different environments.
My advice in general is that when faced with overwhelming feelings, it is important to remember to prioritize, take time for ourselves, and approach challenges with flexibility and positivity. This approach has helped me navigate through difficult times and maintain a sense of purpose and resilience in various aspects of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mattacafe.com
• Instagram: @mattacaffeusa