Blandi Maricel Constanza
Santo Domingo

Blandi is a mother of three daughters (Judi 23, Anni 21, and Kimerlie eight). She knows how to work with people and make things happen. The thing I remember about Blandi is her fierceness, friendliness, and her laughter. She is not shy about saying that coffee is her life. She grew up on a farm where her parents grew corn and beans. Today her parents, brother, sister, and 13 nephews and nieces are all involved in coffee growing. It’s the true definition of a family business.

At the time of Farmer to Farmer’s 2019 trip to Guatemala, Blandi had been president of the women coffee farmers of UPC for two years. She generously took the time to escort us to visit several of the women coffee farmer’s homes. We ended the tour by enjoying coffee and cake on her porch with her family. We all left that afternoon feeling such a strong connection to all of the farmers that we met that day. Beyond their clear dedication to producing the highest quality organic coffee beans, it was obvious how much they valued family and friendship.

Blandi grows about one acre of organic coffee. She is happy to be selling her coffee to F2F because of the higher price she receives. With the extra income she is able to take care of her family and also expand her coffee farm. Being part of UPC organizations allows her access to credit, which allows her to buy more land. She also has chickens, grows avocados, oranges and lemons. In addition to what she sells, she is able to grow enough food for her family to eat. In addition to farming, Blandi also started a bakery with seven other local women. They sell bread and other baked goods to stores in the area. She said this has been a good income source for her.