Brewing Dreams: Maria Pavani’s Journey from Barista to Coffee Mogul

From Brazil to Dubai: A Coffee Journey Begins

Maria Eduarda Becker Pavani, known as Maria Pavani on Instagram, embarked on her coffee journey at the age of 19 in Brazil. Her passion for coffee and people led her to Dubai in 2013, where she began working as a barista in a five-star hotel. Recognizing the nascent specialty coffee scene in the Middle East, Maria saw an opportunity to make her mark in the industry.

Building a Coffee Empire: The Birth of Tres Marias

In 2019, Maria founded Tres Marias Coffee Company in Dubai. The brand quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability. Tres Marias offers specialty coffee beans and a range of plant-based barista milks, including oat, soy, almond, and coconut, catering to the growing demand for dairy alternatives in the region.

Overcoming Challenges: Perseverance Pays Off

Starting a business is never easy, and Maria faced financial challenges in her entrepreneurial journey. However, her dedication and hard work led Tres Marias to achieve a $1 million revenue milestone in 2022. The company continues to grow, aiming for a steady 50% annual growth rate despite being self-funded.

Expanding Horizons: Regional and Global Growth

Tres Marias has expanded its presence beyond the UAE. The brand became the exclusive supplier of plant-based milk to all 150 Costa Coffee branches in the UAE and plans to extend this partnership to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Additionally, Tres Marias products are available at Emarat petrol stations, Tasha’s Group outlets, Costa Coffee, and other selected locations across the UAE. The company also supplies plant-based milk to JetEx, a private aviation brand, and aims to enter the European market as part of its global expansion strategy..

Giving Back: Community and Sustainability

Maria believes in building a community around coffee. Tres Marias participates in events like The Ripe Market, fostering connections with customers and other small businesses. The brand emphasizes sustainability, using CO2-friendly, biodegradable, and compostable packaging to minimize environmental impact.

Recognition and Achievements

Maria’s expertise in coffee has been recognized globally. She became a certified judge for the World Barista Championships and an Authorized Specialty Coffee Trainer. Her journey from a barista to a successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiration to many aspiring coffee professionals.

Words of Wisdom: Maria’s Message

Maria’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Your failures do not define you, as long as your intentions are right and you are willing to start again with love and passion, you can always try one more time!” She hopes to be remembered as someone who worked hard to turn her dreams into reality, proving that with determination, anything is possible.