A STEP TOWARDS A CHILDHOOD DREAM
I grew up in Alajuela, Costa Rica—more specifically, on a beautiful, winding road called Calle Vargas. It’s the only road that leads to Volcano Poás, and it’s where our old family home still stands. We now rent it out to nomads, but every time I think of that quiet street, I’m flooded with memories.
One of my favorite moments happened when I was just 8 years old. I was walking with my mom, hand in hand, when she asked me, “How would you like to live in a place where anything you can imagine exists?” At that moment, I thought of a toy I wanted. Not long after, we moved to Ames, Iowa—but I never did find that toy.
Instead, I realized something more powerful: I had imagined that toy. I invented it in my mind. Since then, I’ve been sketching my ideas—sometimes they turn into real things, sometimes they stay in my notebook, waiting for their time.
Calle Vargas Coffee is my creative outlet—and a space for my family to express ourselves through art. Yes, we sell coffee, but like many of us, we’re really just selling “water to a well”—something simple, made special by the love behind it.
Some of my most cherished memories are of my family gathered around the table in Costa Rica, drinking coffee, sharing stories, and dreaming out loud. This venture is also a tribute to my late Tía Zaida, who could sell anything—tacos, socks, t-shirts, you name it. She taught me more about sales than school ever did.
