Owner of Fair Trade Cafe Stephanie Vasquez Recognized by Cox Business

By: Cindy G. Castillo

Born and raised in Phoenix, Ariz., Stephanie Vasquez had always wanted to be a teacher. She wanted to create a change in her community through education.

So she went to high school, graduated from Arizona State University, and thought her career goals were fulfilled.

But life has its twists and turns, and in an unexpected change of events, Vasquez ventured into a different country and took home a passion as a souvenir.

During a tour through Costa Rica, she visited a coffee plantation where she learned how great of a presence coffee has in the country both economically and culturally.

“Everywhere you went there were these beautiful coffee shops that were so meaningful and just powerful. Nothing like I had ever experienced in my entire life,” she said.

When she returned to the states, she wondered if consumers realized how much of a connection there is between mother earth and their consumption.

Costa Rica was a learning experience for Vasquez, and a fire sparked in her to open up her very own coffee shop.

“It’s such a beautiful country. The culture and the respect that is embraced through coffee is absolutely incredible,” she said.

It was in 2006 that Vasquez purchased her first cafe location on Roosevelt Road, which was up for sale by Trinity Cathedral.

WIth no degree in business, Vasquez has made running a shop her second language learning as she goes.

Today, she has been recognized by Cox Business as Latina Entrepreneur of the Year for the success that Fair Trade Cafe has been among local businesses.

With one location in Roosevelt Road and a second in Civic Space Park, visiting Fair Trade Cafe is like being at home. Whether It be sitting on a couch, reading a book, meeting with colleagues, this cozy coffee shop will always have something great being made.

“It’s being able to create a stage that allows other people to experience what I experienced,” she said.

Vasquez feels fortunate to be recognized for her labor, and the awareness that the award is bringing to her shop. She describes the key to the success of any entrepreneur is to listen to inner intuition.

“Just follow your instincts because we really do know all the answers if you listen to yourself.”

She is a proud mother of three grateful for the support and encouragement of her family, parents and of course, her children.

“There is no way that my shop would be around without the community that supports us,” she said.

As far as the future goes, Vasquez doesn’t want to put a cap on her goals because as she’s learned, life brings the unexpected.

“I never thought this was what I would be doing and moving ahead, whatever happens, I’ll embrace it. I’m really enjoying where I am, and I absolutely love my shop.”