Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Barber.
Hi Jenny, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Over the course of 15 years working in anti-trafficking, my husband (Robert Barber) and I saw a growing need for “next step” solutions—pathways for long-term integration and economic empowerment for survivors of trafficking. My husband began roasting coffee in 2014, and as we witnessed the heartbreaking cycle of recidivism and survivors returning to exploitation due to a lack of sustainable support, we knew we wanted to be part of the solution.
We began building Talitha Coffee in 2019 with a vision to merge specialty coffee and social impact. In 2022, our current CEO, Mike Glanz, joined the team to lead our next phase of growth and strategy. That same year, Talitha began to scale rapidly, establishing itself as both a market leader and thought leader in building a high-impact, high-performance business model that empowers survivors through employment.
Today, Talitha has a team of over 160, multiple locations across San Diego County, and a thriving Coffee Training Institute. Most importantly, we remain deeply committed to creating pathways of meaningful employment, barista training, and a comprehensive network of care to help survivors overcome barriers to re-entry and build lives full of hope and stability.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We’ve experienced our share of bumps along the way. In the beginning, our biggest challenge was starting from scratch—Talitha began with my husband roasting coffee in a popcorn popper on our stovetop. We had a big vision, but not everyone can hang on through the process. Fortunately, our team began to grow with not just believers, but with experts in their fields who shared our passion for making a difference.
Those early days were filled with financial setbacks, delays, and the inevitable growing pains of building something meaningful. Along the way, we learned invaluable lessons about what it truly takes to create effective, dignifying pathways for survivor reintegration.
Business isn’t for the faint of heart—and anti-trafficking work certainly isn’t. Both are filled with incredible victories, but also setbacks, pivots, deep personal sacrifice, and sleepless nights. Through it all, we’ve come to believe that the most important thing isn’t just where you’re running—but who is running with you.
We’re deeply grateful for the bold, sacrificial, tenacious team at Talitha. We’re not only defined by our mission or success—but most of all, by our people.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Talitha was born from a bold vision to empower survivors of trafficking, We have grown into a thriving social enterprise known for our specialty roasts, vibrant cafés, and powerful mission. What began with a hobby, a passion, and coffee beans roasted in a popcorn popper – has become a multi-location movement across San Diego County, serving up more than just great coffee.
What sets Talitha apart is our deep commitment to creating pathways of hope. Our company hires and trains survivors of trafficking, offering trauma-informed employment, barista certification through our Coffee Training Institute, and access to a comprehensive care network that addresses the real-world barriers survivors face when rebuilding their lives.
While Talitha is proud to produce world-class coffee, it’s the people behind the coffee—and the stories of resilience and courage they represent—that truly define the brand. Every cup served is a statement of hope, dignity, and purpose.
Whether you stop in for your morning latte or subscribe for beans delivered to your door, when you support Talitha, you’re not just choosing quality—you’re choosing impact.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
San Diego has long carried the weight of being one of the nation’s hubs for human trafficking. But today, our city is also becoming known for something else: rising up and taking bold action. With growing collaboration among organizations, advocates, and community leaders, San Diego is making waves in the fight against trafficking and standing as a model for change.
It’s a city marked by diversity, vibrance, and undeniable beauty—a place where culture, compassion, and creativity collide. There’s no better home base for a mission-driven company like Talitha Coffee. We’re proud to be part of a city that’s not only aware—but actively working to rewrite the narrative.
Pricing:
- Subscriptions – varied
- Wholesale – comprehensive and varied
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.talitha.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talithacoffeeroasters/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-barber-36481016b/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/jennybarber22/?hl=en
