Be a Part of Inspiring Change at Inicio Coffee Company
Our Story
2015 – Inicio’s story begins with an initiative to see the end of injustice.
With a vision to end exploitation holistically, Jenny and Robert Barber established Justice 180 as a nonprofit organization in 2015. When Hannah Groen joined an anti-trafficking school led by Justice 180, she was asked to join the Barbers in their vision to fight trafficking. Unknown to her, partnering with the Barbers would eventually lead Hannah to be the owner of a specialty coffee shop in the San Fernando Valley.
2019 – The idea of Inicio is sparked as an idea to end trafficking holistically.
Over time, we realized that although Justice 180 was effective, we wanted to do more. We discovered that the combination of coffee and business could holistically end exploitation. We dreamed, planned, and learned coffee's ins and outs for years, including roasting coffee on a small popcorn machine. In 2019, we signed a business license, knowing our business had a future even if we weren’t sure how it would play out.
In 2020, we stumbled upon a space that had the potential to host our dream, so we leased it and began remodeling during COVID-19. On January 8th, 2021, Hannah and the Barbers opened our specialty coffee shop and roastery to serve the community of Pacoima.
2021 – Inicio opened under “TK Coffee” in Pacoima, CA.
2023 – We rebranded as Inicio Coffee Company to create further opportunities for survivors.
After a few years of running the coffee shop, we decided to create further opportunities for justice. To form more support pathways for trafficking survivors, we branched off from Talitha Coffee Roasters, and Inicio Coffee Company was born: an independent coffee shop in Pacoima, California. Today, Talitha Coffee provides employment and rehabilitation to survivors of exploitation, and we proudly serve their coffee as part of our mission to end injustice.
Today – Inicio is San Fernando Valley’s “hidden gem.”
Inicio’s vision has remained the same since the beginning: to end human trafficking and inspire change in every person we meet. Today, Hannah and the team of baristas serve more than coffee in the San Fernando Valley. We inspire our visitors to be a part of a greater mission, dream big for their own lives, and better the world around them—all while serving the best coffee in the Valley.
Why Visit Inicio?
-
Specialty, Freshly Roasted Coffee
We serve Talitha coffee, roasted to perfection to bring out its distinct notes and full flavor in every cup. Experience Inicio’s specialty coffee right here in the Valley. Peek at our menu to see what you’ll order at our cafe!
-
Social Cause
At Inicio, we invite our customers to inspire change. We not only support anti-trafficking but also encourage our visitors to leave the world around them better than they found it. Join us in the initiative to spread hope in our world, on a local and global scale.
-
Welcoming Atmosphere
When you walk through our doors, you’ll feel like you already belong. Our baristas are passionate about making Inicio feel like a second home for every customer. We’ll learn your name, favorite drink, and story so you always know you have a place here.
Be a part of something bigger at Inicio Coffee Company in the San Fernando Valley. Visit our shop in Pacoima to support local and join the initiative to inspire change.
Visit Our Shop & Support Justice
“A FANTASTIC boutique coffee spot in a scrappy area! Such surprisingly good espresso drinks. This could completely compete with drinks in cafes in cool Williamsburg, NYC, LA and SF neighborhoods.” - Anonymous
“A FANTASTIC boutique coffee spot in a scrappy area! Such surprisingly good espresso drinks. This could completely compete with drinks in cafes in cool Williamsburg, NYC, LA and SF neighborhoods.” - Anonymous
"What a find! Hidden in this little corner plaza for what seems in the middle of no where is this cafe. It's so cute inside, serves quality coffee. Also, they have such friendly staff." - Elaine D.
"What a find! Hidden in this little corner plaza for what seems in the middle of no where is this cafe. It's so cute inside, serves quality coffee. Also, they have such friendly staff." - Elaine D.
“Love this place so much!! TK is a gem in Pacoima. I’m so glad this community has a coffee shop like this one! The baristas are amazing and always friendly. " - Sarah D.
“Love this place so much!! TK is a gem in Pacoima. I’m so glad this community has a coffee shop like this one! The baristas are amazing and always friendly. " - Sarah D.