From gardener to South Africa’s first individually black-owned coffee brand!

Today we want to introduce you to Sihle Magubane from Sihle’s Brew who started out as a barista, and now owns a small chain of coffee shops, and also distributes his own brand of coffee beans through a few major retail chains!

We just love a good “rags to riches” story, especially in South Africa.

Sihle’s life was turned around when his adventures in coffee began a decade ago. Almost by chance in 2003 he was selected for training at the Ciro Coffee Academy, where he obtained the comprehensive International Barista Certificate.

Before that, Sihle had been struggling to support his family, working as a gardener since he became the sole provider for his siblings at just 16 years old.

Sihle’s passion for coffee was instantaneous. Love and talent blossomed, and after a decade of experience in the field as a renowned barista and trainer (coffee sales at one of his clients’ restaurants shot up five times in just a month after he’d trained their staff), Sihle was inspired to strike out and launch his own brand.

Sihle still provides training at coffee shops and restaurants as part of his comprehensive package, and he continues to grow and develop the Sihles Brew coffee brand.

You can find out more by visiting his website: https://sihlesbrew.co.za/

PS. Please help us by sharing these short stories of epic small businesses! The more we support the little guys, the more we move South Africa forward!