This is Kindness: Mi Cultura Coffee

They say kindness is contagious, and these days we could all use a little more of it. We’re on a mission to uplift and share stories of kindness happening right here in Northern Colorado, and we need your help. Have you experienced or witnessed a meaningful act of kindness at a Northern Colorado small business? We want to hear your story. If selected, we’ll interview the business owner and/or staff member and, with their permission, feature them in This is NoCo and Discover NoCo. Together, let’s shine a light on the everyday moments that make our community stronger.

First it was the sound - distant Latin rhythms echoing through the wide hallways of the Foothills Mall. Then it was the smell - roasted coffee mixed with warm cinnamon, sweet brown sugar, and bright citrus. By the time my eyes caught the sign, Mi Cultura Coffee, and the American flag waving next to a “Veteran Owned” plaque, my curiosity drew me all the way in.

I approached the counter to learn more and was met by Founder and Owner, Moses Oqueli. With his bright smile and impeccable sense of style, Moses and I chatted about his business and products. Before I walked away, he offered me a cup of Cafe de Olla coffee and a locally-made concha (Mexican-style sweet bun), on the house. His generosity was easy and genuine. I knew I had to come back to learn more.

Where did the idea for Mi Cultura Coffee come from?

“I started it just over two years ago. I was in the army [for 14 years], and I was actually deployed when I was [asking myself], “What am I going to do next?” So I started building the business model while I was gone. I was already sharing my cafe de olla and cafe con leche with fellow soldiers. It gave me a sense of home. My mom is 3rd generation Mexican-American, from Southern California, and my dad is from Guatemala. His family grew coffee, so I grew up drinking it too. 

I was very novice [about the coffee business]. But one of the best things for me about being in the military was traveling to different parts of the world and experiencing different coffee cultures. Bridging that gap of understanding [between] my coffee culture and others’, I'm like, “we have some commonality.” Then it was like a light bulb - perfect. I'm going to share my culture with other people through coffee.”

What was it like for you to transition from serving in the military to serving coffee?

“A month after I got out of the military, I was already at the farmers markets selling coffee. I was so brand new - a cherry. I really didn't know how to communicate with people. It was something I had to learn. The military was a very combative job. All I knew was weapons, ammunition, and tactics - being an aggressor towards the opposition. [I was very comfortable] putting myself out there in front. So I was like, “okay, what's the difference this time?” I didn't have any tactical gear with me. All [I had was] coffee and a smile. And that's what I did. 

When I was serving in the military, it was a service to the country. You also serve your leaders, your peers, and soldiers under you as well. You understand what it means to be a servant leader. People tell me, “thank you for your service.” If I'm no longer going to be in the military, I'm still going to serve the community, even if it's just through a cup of coffee. I am so grateful, and I'm so blessed about where I'm at right now. I just went for the calling - that's something I just prayed about. I asked God, “If this is possible, just make a way.” Everything that has happened since it has just fallen into place. And I can't thank anybody else but God.” 

Why did you choose to offer me a free coffee?

“I think I had seen you peek your head around both corners and look at that menu, seeing something that's sparked an interest, maybe from your past. In this region, my menu is not typical of other coffee shops. It was a very easy, genuine gesture. Let me serve you. Let me give you a drink. If this reminds you of your childhood, of your abuelita or abuelito, let me reignite that. For me, that's gratification. It's not even about the sale. It's not about a popularity contest or being the best. I just want to be different and show people different. I want to bless people and give them an experience to remember.

Tell me about a time you received an act of kindness.

Just this past week, I sat down to talk with another business, Lima Coffee. [Owners} Diego and Amanda gave me words of encouragement. I told them “thank you for your time and for sharing your experience and knowledge.” Those one-on-one moments where somebody takes time out of the day to be a blessing to you speaks volumes about their character. There are a lot of gatekeepers in business, and they're not like that. My success is their success, and if other small businesses succeed, we all succeed. It really doesn't matter what political affiliation you side with. We're in this together, and we just have to be kind towards each other.”

How can other business owners create a culture of kindness?

“From my experience, it's okay to be somebody who's different, to be against the grain. It's okay to want to pour into somebody else, even if it's just smiling and giving a free drink. You can tell somebody's character just by talking to them - in a few short moments, you can see where the heart is at. That's what I want to continue to do - let people know that I'm here for them, that I'm part of them. A small act of kindness shows you that I'm a safe place - I'm here to serve you.

Do you have your own experience where Kindness was Found In NOCO? Want that business to be featured?

You can submit your experience HERE