Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Cordoba.
Hi Gina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Gina Cordoba, a Charleston-based entrepreneur with Colombian heritage, founded Summit Grounds out of a deep passion for quality coffee.. Her journey began upon discovering coffee plants that her grandfather had planted decades ago in Mesitas del Colegio, Colombia. Despite years of neglect, these plants were still producing beans with remarkable potential. This revelation, combined with her partner Eduardo’s family’s involvement in coffee farming, inspired Gina to establish Summit Grounds. The brand is dedicated to honoring traditional coffee cultivation while promoting sustainable practices. By sourcing beans directly from local Colombian farmers, Summit Grounds ensures freshness and authenticity, supporting the local economy and providing fair prices to farmers. 
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?
Not at all—it’s been a journey full of learning curves. Starting Summit Grounds while living between two countries was a challenge in itself. Navigating logistics, building trust with farmers, and understanding the true cost of ethical sourcing required more time, patience, and resources than I expected. One of the biggest struggles was seeing how undervalued coffee farmers are, despite the incredible work they do. That really pushed me to rethink our entire approach—making sure Summit Grounds wasn’t just about selling coffee, but about telling the story behind every bean and paying fair prices that truly make a difference.
There were also moments of doubt, especially when comparing our small-batch methods to big competitors. But those challenges ended up shaping the heart of the brand—staying true to our values, connecting directly with growers, and educating customers about where their coffee comes from.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Summit Grounds ?
Summit Grounds is more than just specialty coffee—it’s a story of heritage, connection, and purpose. We source high-quality Colombian coffee directly from small farms, many of which are family-owned and tucked away in the mountains. What sets us apart is our focus on sustainability and storytelling. Every bean we roast carries the legacy of the farmers behind it, including my own grandfather, whose coffee plants still grow on our family’s land.
We specialize in small-batch, single-origin coffees that are carefully processed, roasted, and packaged to preserve their unique flavor profiles. You’ll find washed, natural, and rare varieties like Geisha, Chiroso, and Bourbon Cidra in our lineup—all roasted with intention and transparency.
We’re proud to offer more than just a product—we offer an experience. From educational content to pop-ups and tastings, we invite people to connect with the origin of their coffee and appreciate the hands that make it possible.
What I’m most proud of is the way our brand is creating impact—paying farmers fair prices, celebrating Colombian coffee culture, and giving people a reason to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re brewing with a Chemex or sipping from a to-go cup, you’re part of a bigger story—and that’s what Summit Grounds is all about.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating meaningful impact—especially for the people and communities behind the products we often take for granted. In the case of Summit Grounds, that means honoring the farmers, families, and traditions that make great coffee possible. I care deeply about preserving culture, paying fair prices, and making sure the story behind every cup is respected and shared.
I’ve seen firsthand how hard these communities work and how easily their efforts can be overlooked. That’s why I feel a responsibility to use this platform not just to sell coffee, but to educate, connect, and uplift. If we can create a brand that empowers others, builds trust, and brings people joy through something as simple as a morning cup, then we’re doing something that truly matters.
Pricing:
- $25 for 12 oz bags
- $45 for our samplers flights
- $15 for cold brew packages
- $15 for 4 oz bags
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.summit-grounds.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/summitgrounds
