Today you’ll hear from Nardos Street, an inspiring leader and immigrant who crossed the world alone to pursue her education, start a family, and build a thriving business in America.
Denied the chance to attend college in Ethiopia, and later declined a visa to Syria where she would have worked as a maid, Nardos refused to give up. Instead, she immigrated to Michigan, where she studied, met her husband, and eventually settled in Ohio. Together, they launched Bereka Coffee, a café and coffee trailer business that celebrates Ethiopia’s rich culture through traditional coffee ceremonies, authentic food, and community connection.
Her story is one of faith, resilience, and finding purpose in unexpected places.
This episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered!
What she shares in this conversation will move you, surprise you, and make you want to embrace her culture.
You’ll learn:
How Nardos turned setbacks into opportunities for growth
Why being denied both higher education and a visa redirected her journey
How faith and resilience carried her across continents
What Ethiopian coffee ceremonies teach us about community
How she built a business rooted in culture and family in Ohio
Takeaways
Closed doors can lead to greater purpose
Faith shapes resilience in the face of rejection
Community and culture bridge differences
Education isn’t just about school—it’s about growth
Entrepreneurship often starts with service and heritage
Sound Bites
“God was just holding it up and saying that wasn’t the path.”
“I was declined education in Ethiopia, then even declined my visa to be a maid in Syria.”
“Coffee is never just for yourself in Ethiopia.”
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Nardos Street
02:00 Growing Up in Ethiopia
07:00 Barriers to Education and Closed Doors
12:00 Visa Denied: The Road Not Taken
14:00 A New Start in Michigan
18:00 Finding Purpose Through Education and Service
21:00 Building a Life and Business in Ohio
25:00 Ethiopian Coffee Traditions and Bereka Coffee
30:00 Lessons on Resilience and Faith
Learn More About Nardos & Bereka Coffee
🌐 Website: https://www.berekacoffee.com
📸 Instagram: @berekacoffeekitchen
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/berekacoffee
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