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Iris Suyapa Chicas is a female producer from Marcala, La Paz, Honduras. She’s dedicated more than 20 years to exporting and producing high-quality organic coffees. After marrying Juan Carlos Amaya when she was 25, Iris and her husband built their farm in the mountains of El Cerrón and planted their first coffee seeds. With a lot of effort and devotion, they harvested the first fruits and sold them at their local market. Their three children have grown up among coffee plants and help their parents in the fields when they can. Her farm is named Finca La Joya as it resembles a jewel, both in its literal shape and metaphorically as it’s one of the family’s primary sources of income.

After Juan Carlos went abroad in search of better opportunities for their family, Iris was left to look after their children and their farm. With courage and determination, she took charge of the entire production and maintenance of the farm, learning to handle the technical, administrative, and commercial aspects of their business. Iris was trained in coffee quality and partnered with other local producers to join COMSA. Being part of COMSA has given Iris access to international markets where her coffee is recognized for its excellent quality and her farm is recognized for its social impact. With the income her coffee generates, Iris has been able to build a decent house, send her children to school, and support other female producers in similar situations. She is an example of leadership, solidarity, and female empowerment in her community and beyond it.

But what does Iris claim is the key to her success? Putting love into every coffee bean she produces.