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C Foreword / Anna Zhang Story / Liz Escobar
Liz Escobar: A s I matured, I came to realize that as descendants of farmers, I am essential-

ly a product of the land where I was raised. This understanding was later af-
firmed by the people I encountered, much like Liz Escobar. Initially, we may
choose to disengage from agriculture and leave our hometowns. However,
perhaps one day, we will recognize our connection to our roots and return home, under-
The Seed standing how much our hometown needs us, much like the story of coffee origins today.
In Colombia’s captivating Nariño region, amidst its rolling landscapes that harmo-
niously merge coast, highlands, and jungle, Liz Escobar embarked on her journey. Raised
in a family steeped in the region’s agricultural traditions, Liz’s childhood was woven with
the vibrant threads of farm life. Later, she ventured away from her hometown to pursue
education and career opportunities. From selling ice cream on the streets to practicing
law, engaging in environmental conservation, and contributing to peacebuilding efforts,
Liz ultimately found her passion for coffee. Her roasting project, “Kissed by Liz,” aptly
From selling ice cream on the streets reflects this journey.
Her journey led her to attempt establishing a new market in Europe for Nariño’s
to practicing law, engaging in environ- coffee, advocating for specialty coffee in Michelin-starred restaurants, and educating
their staff on its nuanced flavors.
mental conservation, and contributing Seeds follow diverse paths. Some settle into the soil where they land, while others

to peacebuilding efforts, Liz ultimately are carried far by the wind before finding their place. Yet, regardless of where they take
root, they carry the genetic imprint of preceding generations.
After drifting through the winds for a considerable time, Liz has finally touched
found her passion for coffee. down, endeavoring to anchor herself in the soil. Here, she absorbs nutrients, water, light,
and carbon dioxide, preparing herself to germinate and flourish.
This is her story in the first narrative.
First Chapter, Nurturing Roots

Nariño’s geographical diversity, with its towering mountains, sprawling coastlines,
and dense jungles, fosters a fertile land ripe for cultivation. Within this rich tapestry
of landscapes lies the foundation of my heritage—a lineage of farmers stretching back
Liz Escobar
through generations on both my paternal and maternal sides. My family’s agricultur-
al pursuits mirrored the region’s varied climates: while some tended to crops suited to
the chilly highlands—potatoes, wheat, barley, and beans—others flourished in the sun-
drenched valleys, nurturing an abundance of avocados, oranges, lemons, guavas, and, of
course, coffee. Nariño is still a red zone with armed conflict. In addition to this, the land-
scape is complicated due to the high mountains and old roads that are not in good condi-
tion. This makes it more complicated to grow coffee there and ship it for export. That’s
why it is important to me to see coffee as more than a product, but as an element that
generates change in the community and, most importantly, in the peace-building process
and economic growth and development, especially for rural families.

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