Sitio Pinheirinho - Coffee with heart

The inspiring story of Brazilian coffee farmer Dulce Borges

At Motobean, we believe every exceptional coffee begins with the people who grow it. That’s why we choose to work with partners who champion small producers, family‑run farms and ethical sourcing. Our long‑standing relationship with Minas Hill Coffee reflects this commitment. They work closely with APAS (Alto da Serra Producers’ Association) to support transparency, fairness and better livelihoods for the coffee farmers of Mantiqueira, Brazil.

One of the coffees they shared with us came from a tiny parcel of land known as Sitio Pinheirinho — “Little Pine Tree.” The moment we tasted it, we were hooked: a creamy, rich mouthfeel and syrupy toffee sweetness that felt instantly comforting. But the story behind the cup was even more remarkable.

A Coffee Farmer Who Sees With Her Heart

Sitio Pinheirinho is run by husband‑and‑wife team José Paulo and Dulcinéia “Dulce” Borges, who hand‑pick every cherry and manage every part of production on their small farm. When we learned more about Dulce, we understood why this coffee tasted so special.

Dulce was born blind — yet she has never allowed her blindness to limit her life as a coffee farmer. Instead, she approaches her work with extraordinary independence, strength and optimism. Her philosophy is simple and powerful:

“Vision from the heart is much more important than vision from the eyes. The heart sees everything, while the eyes only see.”

Her words reflect the spirit she brings to Sitio Pinheirinho. Dulce roasts, grinds and packs their coffee herself, proving daily that determination and heart can overcome any barrier.

Empowering Women in Coffee

Dulce is also a proud participant in Flores em Ação (Flowers in Action) — a project that empowers women coffee farmers to produce, process and brand their own micro‑lots. It celebrates their creativity, skill and resilience, giving them visibility and economic independence in an industry where women’s work is often overlooked.

The coffees produced through Flores em Ação are some of the most expressive in Brazil, shaped by the dedication and passion of women like Dulce.

Strength, Devotion and a Shared Purpose

For Dulce, working with coffee is deeply fulfilling — not only for the income it provides, but for the people who value her craft. She often speaks about how her journey inspires her husband, José Paulo:

“When José Paulo feels a bit down, he thinks of me and everything I’ve been through — how I am such an independent woman, able to roast, grind and pack our own coffee. He gets motivated, and that’s how he keeps working with devotion and love.”

Their partnership is the heartbeat of Sitio Pinheirinho, and it shines through in every cup.

Proud to Share Dulce’s Coffee

Minas Hill Coffee imports these micro‑lots to Australia each year, and we at Motobean are honoured to roast Dulce’s beans and share her story. In a world full of uncertainty, her courage and positivity remind us what truly matters: resilience, kindness and heart.

This week — and every week — we’re inspired by Dulce. And yes, we enjoyed her beautiful coffee too.