On our first day in Peru, we had the privilege of visiting a coffee shop run by a Peruvian husband and an American wife. We spent over an hour asking them questions and listening to their original story. The man shared how he started his business on a bike in the mall when people didn’t know what a cappuccino was. He shared the hardship it took to spread the popularity of a coffee business and pick up sales. Once he learned how to market to the people of Peru, he gained the opportunity to sell coffee within the property of a Church, where he met his wife and business picked up.
Now, they struggle more with finding the right price in a market where they want to honor the diversity of people attending Church and their incomes while making a stable profit. They explained their desire to be affordable because they want to cater to people with different incomes. I thought their emphasis on prices was so intentional and sweet and a great reflection of the hospitality of Peru.
Just like at this coffee shop, the people of Peru maintained a hospitable culture throughout. When we visit the Inka Market on the last day, every shop owner was so patient with the language barrier and was willing to negotiate prices with a kind attitude. I really learned the importance of relational connections within the business world and how important it is to maintain a personable perspective on customers and the people you work with.
