Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesus Rodriguez.
Hi Jesus, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We are a culturally rich family, born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, a vibrant capital known for its colorful blend of cultures shaped by decades of immigration. In our case, we proudly represent both first and third-generation European descendants who found home in Venezuela, a land of tropical traditions and deep-rooted coffee and chocolate heritage, thanks to its fertile soils and ideal climate for these cherished crops.
Perhaps being descendants of immigrants instills in us a natural spirit of exploration. Over 15 years ago, driven by economic and political challenges that limited our dreams, we made the difficult decision to leave our beloved Venezuela. Chile opened its arms to us, unknowingly becoming our second home for 12 wonderful years, a place where we expanded our family and welcomed two beautiful children into our lives.
After this transformative chapter, life invited us on another journey, this time to Guatemala, a country that was largely unknown to us, nestled in the heart of Central America, just south of Mexico. What we discovered was a hidden gem: a culture with rhythms and flavors that reminded us so much of home, from the food and traditions to the warmth of its people. But most importantly, Guatemala reawakened in us a connection we hadn’t realized we were missing: our deep-rooted love for coffee. A quiet legacy from our past that suddenly felt present again, alive and calling.
After a little over a year, another professional opportunity took us to the United States, where we’ve now lived for the past three years. It was here, during a cozy Christmas, with the gift of a humble espresso machine, that a spark ignited, a curiosity turned passion for learning more about the world of coffee, barista craft, and the art of roasting. Frequent work trips to Central America allowed us to connect with local farmers and cooperatives, selecting only the finest specialty coffee beans from micro-lots and single-origin harvests. We’ve chosen to prioritize small producers, women-led associations, and above all, responsible and sustainable farming practices that honor both the land and the people who cultivate it.
This dream, this passion, gave birth to LOVE WAYOYO.
“Love Wayoyo” (which means “I love Guayoyo” in Spanish) is more than a name. It is a tribute to the coffee traditions and hospitality so deeply woven into Venezuelan culture. Guayoyo is a traditional Venezuelan coffee, light, smooth, and lovingly brewed with more water than typical methods, creating a gentle, welcoming cup. But more than how it’s made, Guayoyo represents something far greater.
To Venezuelans, Guayoyo is not just a drink, it’s a ritual of connection. It’s the gentle pause of an afternoon, shared under the shade of a mango tree, with the soft clinking of enamel cups passed from hand to hand. It’s laughter echoing through the house, children playing nearby, the smell of fresh coffee grounding you in the present while whispering stories of the past.
It is in these moments, these simple, beautiful gatherings, that the true magic of Guayoyo lives. It brings people together. It sparks conversations, nurtures bonds, and weaves memories that linger long after the last sip. In countless Venezuelan homes, offering Guayoyo is a gesture of welcome, a heartfelt invitation to sit, to share, to belong.
Love Wayoyo was born from this spirit, from the joy of remembering where we come from, and from the hope of sharing that warmth with the world, one cup at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a new chapter in a new country is never easy, especially while trying to balance the demands of daily life, work, and the dream of building something meaningful from the ground up.
One of our greatest challenges has been synchronizing our family’s transition to a new culture and way of life here in the United States, all while maintaining our existing responsibilities. Jesus continues to travel extensively for work, often taking as many as 16 flights a month across Central America, making time and energy incredibly precious resources. Yet, despite the long days and busy schedules, we’ve poured our hearts into bringing this dream to life: sharing our love for specialty coffee with our new community.
From the beginning, this has been a self-taught journey. We’ve spent countless hours researching and experimenting with different roasting techniques, learning directly from green coffee producers throughout Central America. Choosing the right beans, from among so many origins, varieties, and farms, has been both exciting and overwhelming. Our goal has always been simple yet powerful: to craft a roast we love, and that we hope others will love too.
Behind every cup of our coffee is a story of trial, error, learning, and persistence, from mastering consistent roasts, to navigating the maze of permits, licenses, insurance, and all the logistics needed to legally and responsibly operate our small business in a new country.
Balancing this project with our daily jobs and family life has been one of our biggest tests. Each week is a juggle of commitments, preparation, and dedication to show up, especially on weekends, with the energy and warmth needed to serve our customers at the farmers markets. Currently, you can find us regularly at three wonderful local markets: Easley, Greer, and Travelers Rest. These markets have become a beautiful space of connection, where people stop not just to buy coffee, but to chat, share stories, and offer support. These moments, though small, mean the world to us.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2025 and beyond, our goal is to find our niche, grow our presence in Greenville and surrounding areas of South Carolina, and continue enjoying every step of the journey. We’re working toward building a community of loyal customers while staying true to what matters most: offering high-quality, single-origin specialty coffees, carefully curated and roasted with purpose.
We also hope to create a welcoming space for everyone, from seasoned coffee lovers to those just starting their journey. Coffee culture can feel vast, even a bit intimidating at first, but we believe the best coffee is the one you love most. Our mission is to help each person discover their favorite, one warm cup at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of LOVE WAYOYO. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a small, family-driven business based in the United States, dedicated to sourcing, roasting, and sharing exceptional specialty coffee beans with our community.
Our focus is on high-quality, single-origin coffee, primarily from Central America, where we’ve built close relationships with local producers, many of whom are small-scale farmers and women-led cooperatives. Through these direct connections, we’re able to carefully select beans from micro-lots that offer unique flavor profiles, traceable origins, and responsible farming practices.
Although Central America is at the heart of our story, our passion for great coffee extends around the world. We also source limited lots from other coffee-growing regions globally, bringing diverse flavors and experiences to our customers.
All of our beans are freshly roasted in small batches in the U.S., with great attention to detail, flavor, and consistency. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or just beginning your journey into specialty coffee, we’re here to help you discover your perfect cup.
At the core of what we do is a love for coffee that connects people, from the farmers who grow it, to the customers who enjoy it, one meaningful, delicious cup at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lovewayoyo.com
- Instagram: @lovewayoyo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574283987524&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
