In the world of coffee competitions, the journey is often as significant as the destination. For Alejandro Lozano, an experienced barista in his late 40s from Mexico, the path to his next competition has been marked by hardship, uncertainty, and an unwavering determination. Despite being jobless, facing financial difficulties, and eating just one meal a day to save money, Alex remains resolute in his quest to showcase his craft and honor the memory of his late father. His story is a testament to the strength of the coffee community and how, through coffee, we connect, trust, and support one another.
Alejandro Lozano
Chasing a Dream in His Late 40s Amid Hardship
At an age when most competitors are in their 20s or 30s, Alex stands out. In his late 40s, he’s still chasing his dream of competing at the highest level. His passion for coffee has taken him across several cities in Mexico, each step representing a milestone in his career. He was recently hired to help launch a specialty coffee shop inside a General Motors facility in Toluca, but the reality has been far from what was promised. Delays, unforeseen complications, and sudden changes left Alex in a precarious position with little stability and mounting bills.
“I was brought here with the expectation of a new job, but after months of delays, the opportunity fell apart,”
Alex shares. The disappointment didn’t end there. After a bout of illness, Alex had to leave work early to see a doctor—a decision that ultimately cost him his job. Alone in a new city, with no family nearby and limited resources, Alex has been left to fend for himself.
“I’ve been eating once a day just to save money for rent and the competition,” Alex admits, his voice heavy with the weight of his circumstances. Despite the setbacks, his determination to compete remains unwavering.
“This one is for my father. He never got to see me as a barista, only as a musician. I need to go to that national competition, at least to make it to the finals.”
The Power of Community
Though the situation seems bleak, the support Alex has received from his local coffee community has been heartening. Friends like Christian De la Rosa, Mauricio Olivan, Edgar Romero, Osvaldo Olivan Ponce, Eduardo Cervantes, and the team at Casa Querol have stepped in to help Alex prepare. They’re not sponsors, just friends who believe in his dream and want to see him succeed.
Christian, a roaster in Toluca, has been pivotal in providing space, resources, and expertise to help Alex refine his competition brew. “These people are my heroes,” says Alex.
“Even when things are tough, the coffee community finds a way to come together and support each other. It’s the magic of coffee.”
A Call for Support
At I’M NOT A BARISTA, we believe in helping those who are truly in need, especially within our coffee family. Alex’s journey reflects the challenges faced by many baristas—especially those who are older and competing against younger peers, all while dealing with financial struggles and uncertainty. Competing as a barista is never easy, but it’s even harder when you’re in your late 40s, jobless, undernourished, and struggling to make ends meet. The fact that Alex, an independent barista competitor, is still pursuing his dream against these odds makes his story all the more inspiring.
We feel for Alex, and we’re here to lend a hand. To kickstart the support, we’ve made a $500 USD donation to Alex and hope to raise more funds to help him through this difficult time. A small donation can make a world of difference right now—whether it’s helping him afford a meal, cover travel expenses, or purchase essential competition gear. We invite the coffee community to join us in supporting Alex, knowing that every dollar is going directly to helping him pursue his passion.
If you’d like to help, please click the Donate button below to make a donation. As always, we’ll list all donors on our website for full transparency, and Alex will share how the funds are being used. It’s our way of ensuring the integrity of this initiative, as we believe that trust is the foundation of any community-driven effort.
Alex also wishes to express his deepest gratitude to Christian De la Rosa, Mauricio Olivan, Edgar Romero, Osvaldo Olivan Ponce, Eduardo Cervantes, and the team at Casa Querol. These incredible individuals have offered their support as friends, not sponsors, embodying the true spirit of our coffee community.
Humanity Runs on Coffee
Alex’s story reminds us of the power of community and the resilience that exists within the coffee world. We may be spread across different continents, but through coffee, we are united in purpose and passion. By coming together to support Alex, we are showing that our connection goes beyond just a shared love of coffee—it’s about caring for one another during tough times and lifting each other up.
We hope to see Alex perform at his best in the competition, knowing that he carries with him the support of a global coffee family. We are stronger together, and we stand by Alex as he chases his dream.
Let’s make sure that Alex gets the support he needs. Please visit the link in our bio to make a donation and help a barista in need. Every bit counts, and together, we can make a difference.
We first spoke with Alex in January 2024, where he shared the full extent of his journey, struggles, and hopes. You can read Alex’s full story here.
