Brewing Change And Empowering Women with Natalie Webb, Cafecita Coffee
What does it take to blend a passion for social justice with a love for coffee? For Natalie Webb, founder of Cafecita Coffee, it took years of advocacy, global travel, and a bold leap of faith during one of the most uncertain times in modern history.
On the latest episode of The Wild Party Podcast, I sat down with Natalie to unpack her inspiring journey—from human rights lawyer to coffee entrepreneur—and how she’s using a cup of coffee to spark global change.
Brewing a New Vision
Natalie’s career began in the trenches of human rights law, where she spent over a decade fighting for gender equality and justice. Her work took her across 70 countries, where she witnessed not only cultural beauty but also systemic inequalities. One of the starkest injustices she saw was in the coffee industry.
“Women make up 70% of the manual labor on coffee farms but own only a fraction of them,” Natalie shared. “I wanted to change that.”
In 2020, amidst the chaos of a global pandemic, Natalie returned to Los Angeles with a bold idea: to create a coffee company that sourced exclusively from sustainable, women-owned farms and co-ops. With a portion of every sale supporting women’s nonprofits, Cafecita Coffee was born—not just as a brand, but as a movement.
From Pandemic Pivot to Coffee Powerhouse
Launching a business during a pandemic might seem counterintuitive, but for Natalie, it was the perfect storm. “The pandemic forced people to reevaluate what really mattered,” she said. “It also shifted coffee consumption toward home brewing, which gave us a great entry point with e-commerce and subscriptions.”
What started as a small online venture quickly grew. Through partnerships with organizations like Regarding Her, Natalie expanded into wholesale and corporate gifting. By 2022, Cafecita took its mission mobile with a solar-powered coffee trailer, now a beloved fixture at Tansy in Burbank—a dreamy plant store where coffee and greenery collide in perfect harmony.
A Cup with a Cause
Cafecita Coffee is about more than great flavor—it’s about impact. Every bean is ethically sourced from farms in places like Honduras and Rwanda, where women are driving meaningful change in their communities. These partnerships have helped fund daycare centers, healthcare initiatives, and even livestock programs that diversify income for farm families.
For Natalie, authenticity is non-negotiable. “Greenwashing is rampant,” she said. “It’s important to not only tell the story but also walk the walk.”
Her commitment to sustainability goes beyond sourcing. From compostable packaging to a solar-powered trailer, Cafecita is setting new standards for eco-conscious business.
The Power of Small Business and Big Ideas
Despite competing in the crowded specialty coffee market, Natalie has carved out a unique space for Cafecita. How? By focusing on the values that matter.
“Consumers today want more than a good product—they want to know their dollars are making a difference,” she explained.
With no massive marketing budget, Natalie leans into creativity and community. From partnerships with Patagonia to pop-ups at local events, she’s built a brand that resonates. Word of mouth and a stellar online presence have become Cafecita’s secret weapons, proving that small businesses can pack a big punch.
What’s Next for Cafecita Coffee?
Looking ahead, Natalie plans to grow Cafecita’s presence in community events while continuing to champion women-owned farms. Whether it’s a spicy mocha or a homemade dirty chai, every cup will remain a testament to her mission: sustainability, empowerment, and exceptional quality.
Take Action, One Cup at a Time
Natalie Webb’s Cafecita Coffee isn’t just a business—it’s a call to action. By choosing Cafecita, you’re supporting women, protecting the planet, and redefining what it means to drink coffee with purpose.
Ready to join the movement? Visit cafecitacoffee.com to order online or stop by their solar-powered coffee trailer at Tansy in Burbank for a brew that tastes as good as it feels.
Listen to Natalie’s full story on The Wild Party Podcast and discover how one cup of coffee can change the world.