Meet Ana Nouel | Founder of Atabey Coffee Roasters

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Nouel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am proudly Dominican, and my roots are deeply connected with everything I do, especially with Atabey Coffee Roasters. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I was surrounded by the vibrant culture, rich traditions, and the warmth of my people.

Nature was a significant part of my childhood, where I spent countless hours in gorgeous landscapes, surrounded by the beauty of our island’s mountains, beaches and fields.

Coffee has always been a part of our daily life, our Dominican culture, not just as a beverage but as a symbol of connection and community. My upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for my land, our heritage, and the incredible hard work of the coffee farmers in the Dominican Republic.

I was raised by my grandmother, a strong woman who gave me so much more than I can put into words. She was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and resilience, and her influence shaped who I am today. From her, I learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to my roots. Her guidance and love have been the foundation upon which I’ve built my life and my business.

Being able to represent my roots through Atabey Coffee Roasters is both an honor and a responsibility. Every bag of coffee we have carries the story of our island—the fertile soils, the dedicated hands that nurture the coffee plants, and the rich flavors that are a true reflection of the Dominican spirit.

My passion for my heritage and our local products drives me to share the unique flavors of Dominican specialty coffee with the people, ensuring that each sip is a celebration of my culture.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Atabey Coffee Roasters is more than just a coffee brand; it’s a celebration of Dominican culture, heritage, and the incredible work of the coffee farmers. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality over quantity, educating people about coffee, and authenticity. I source our beans directly from a small farm in the Dominican Republic, actually two from the same farmer – Las Mercedes & Pico Duarte Project- , ensuring the farmer is fairly compensated for their labor but most important that his story is shared with every bag of coffee he produces. This direct connection not only allows me to offer an unique and exceptional product but also strengthens the bond between our customers and the people behind the coffee as well as assuring its quality.

I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, especially considering that Atabey is a female-founded, self-funded business. Starting and growing Atabey in Los Angeles, a city where I initially didn’t know many people, has been a challenging but definitely a rewarding journey. It hasn’t been easy, especially being fairly new to LA and having to build everything from the ground up. But the support of my community, both in LA and outside of California, has been instrumental in overcoming those challenges.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of resilience but also staying true to my vision. There are times when it feels overwhelming, but I remind myself of why I started this business—to represent my Dominican roots and for people to learn about our specialty coffee beans. I also learned that building relationships and being open to collaboration are key to growth. The amazing community I’ve worked with has provided invaluable support and encouragement, which I am always grateful for.

What I want the people to know about Atabey Coffee Roasters is that we’re not just selling coffee; we’re sharing a piece of my culture, my history, the farmer’s history, and my passion with every *Colao’. Our coffee is a reflection of the rich soils of the Dominican Republic, the dedication of the farmers, and the love and care that goes into every step of the process. Atabey is about honoring my Dominican heritage while pushing the boundaries of what Dominican coffee can achieve on out here.

My story is one of perseverance, passion, and pride in my roots. I’m excited about what the future holds for Atabey Coffee Roasters and look forward to continuing this journey with the support of my incredible community.

Colao* is a spanish slang that means “to brew”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I’d want to give them the best experience possible! The first place I’d take them would be the Griffith Observatory—one of my absolute favorite spots in the city. It offers stunning views of LA, and there’s something magical about being up there, especially at sunset which is something I adore to watch from any place. Plus, if they’re into astronomy, the exhibits and telescopes are a real treat.

As for the rest of the week, I’d craft an itinerary tailored to their interests because LA has so much to offer, especially when it comes to food and drinks. Los Angeles is incredibly diverse when it comes to gastronomy, and I love exploring so many amazing options the city has, from street tacos to high-end dining and craft cocktails but lets please don’t forget the amazing coffee shops around the whole city. In addition, there are a few Dominican spots, I would love for them to try if they are interested in, however I can’t seem to pin point specific places on this interview just because I would need a whole new space to write just about places to eat or drink, so many good places!
Since LA is so spread out, my best and first advice always is to divide the days by area or neighborhood to make the most of the time and avoid getting stuck in traffic.
Ultimately, it would be a mix of iconic LA experiences and some hidden gems that match their interests. There’s just so much to see and do in this city, and it’s always very exciting for me to share it with someone who’s visiting for the first time and the places I love in this city that has given me so much!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! My journey with Atabey Coffee Roasters wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support system that has surrounded me. First and foremost, I have to give a huge shoutout to my husband who is the one that pushed me to literally jump into this journey and pushes me to grow in many ways, also my grandmother (RIP), who raised me and shaped so much of who I am today. She instilled in me the resilience to navigate a world that often seemed dominated by men, teaching me that no one can put me down because of who I am or where I come from. Her strength, wisdom, and firm belief in me have been the foundation upon which I’ve built my life and my business.

I also want to recognize the incredible community that has grown around Atabey in such a beautiful and organic way. When I first arrived in Los Angeles (Jan 2020), I didn’t know many people, and starting a business in a new city and in the middle of a pandemic was daunting. But this community—comprised of people who didn’t know me, yet immediately connected with and supported me—has been a cornerstone of my success. They’ve taught me so much, and their encouragement has been invaluable. Without them, I wouldn’t have reached the milestones I have today.

Additionally, I am deeply grateful for the amazing community of small business owners, content creators that have become friends, mentors, and collaborators I’ve had the privilege of working with. Their support, encouragement, and shared knowledge have been invaluable. Collaborating with them, learning from their experiences, and having them in my corner has made all the difference. Together, we’re building something special and elevating Dominican specialty coffee to new levels.

And of course, I can’t forget to give credit to the the main character, the farmer that produces the unique coffee beans we sell from the Dominican Republic. His dedication, passion, and tireless work are at the heart of Atabey Coffee Roasters. His story and efforts inspire me every day, and I’m honored to share his incredible work with the world.

Website: https://www.atabeycoffee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atabeycoffeeroasters/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atabey-coffee-roasters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AtabeyCoffeeRoasters

Image Credits
Most images I own – Luis torre’s team @AllthingsLuis for some images