Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 21: Puja Jain, Founder of Curly Brew, was honored with the Excellence in Nepal Coffee Journalism & Storytelling Award, becoming the first Indian to receive this prestigious recognition. The award was presented in acknowledgment of her unwavering commitment to spotlighting the people, stories, and soul behind Nepal’s emerging coffee culture.
The honor marks not only a personal milestone for Ms. Jain but also a wider acknowledgment of the vital role storytelling plays in shaping and uplifting niche industries like specialty coffee.
Brewing Dreams from the Hills of Nepal
Having spent her childhood in the Terai region of Nepal, Puja Jain shared a deep-rooted connection with Nepal—one that eventually drew her back to the country, not as a tourist, but as a solo traveler in search of purpose and stories. “There was a quiet voice within me urging me to return,” says Jain. “To reconnect with the land, the people, and a part of myself I had left behind.”
It was during this journey, amidst the serene mountains and the warm hospitality of the people, that Jain discovered a hidden cultural asset — Nepal’s high-altitude, organic coffee farms, quietly brewing a revolution.
Regions such as Gulmi, Palpa, Gorkha, and Sindhupalchok, while celebrated for their beauty, are lesser known for their unique coffee terroirs. Here, farmers work with dedication and hope, cultivating beans with care and a vision for global recognition. Jain realized these voices and stories needed to be heard, not just locally, but globally.
From Notes to a Movement
Armed with nothing more than a phone, a notebook, and a storyteller’s soul, Jain began capturing the heartbeat of Nepal’s coffee scene — from roadside cafés in Pokhara to remote farms nestled in the hills of Gorkha. Her storytelling transcended conventional marketing; it was raw, real, and resonant.
Through Curly Brew, a pioneering digital storytelling and coffee-focused media platform, Jain began to amplify these narratives. She engaged deeply with every part of the value chain — farmers, roasters, baristas, and consumers — turning personal encounters into global conversations about sustainability, craftsmanship, and community.
“It wasn’t just about content,” she says. “It was about honoring every person behind the bean, every story behind the cup.”
A Voice for the Voiceless in the Coffee World
Jain’s work took her from cafés and academies in Kathmandu to conversations with young baristas and entrepreneurs striving for excellence amid limited resources. Her content not only brought attention to their challenges but also celebrated their resilience and innovation.
In her words, “Nepal’s coffee culture isn’t just growing — it’s thriving with heart and hope.”
A Moment of Recognition, A Lifetime of Purpose
Receiving the Excellence in Coffee Journalism & Storytelling Award is a deeply emotional milestone for Jain.
“This recognition belongs to every farmer who welcomed me into their world, every cup that carried a legacy, and every moment that brewed a connection to a land I now call home.”
Standing on the international stage, Jain reflected on her journey — one that began with a backpack and a dream, and has evolved into a global platform for advocacy and impact.
Her message to aspiring storytellers and dreamers is clear:
“Trust your inner voice. It may lead you back to your roots, your reason, and your revolution.”
Connect with her on Instagram @curlybreww
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