Fresh Press Café—God’s business

By Lara Pickford-Gordon
snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org

For Kinesha Sylvester, owner of the Fresh Press Café, her Catholic faith is not separate from the business: it is integral. She says confidently, “This is God’s business. I am simply grateful that He chose me to be a vessel for this purpose-driven work”.
Sylvester shared with The Catholic News how faith and business can work in tandem.
Like many entrepreneurs, she started small, calling it a leap of faith opening a smoothie and juice bar. She said: “I commenced from humble beginnings as I sold primarily to family and friends from home. What started small was nurtured by faith and encouragement. Most notably Mr Norris Brian Clement, my [business] mentor at the time, who recommended that I consider opening a physical storefront”.

Sylvester admits she had no idea how this could be realised because of “financial constraints,” but prayed constantly with the belief that if God wanted it to happen, “then it will be”.

The Café, located at 57 Naparima Mayaro Road, San Fernando, became a reality on December 10, 2022. According to Sylvester, “with a lot of support, grit, tears and prayers, we opened the doors to the Fresh Press Factory, which would later evolve into a café.”

The journey has been one of walking by faith in Christ and learning to seek discernment continually and recognising when God was leading. “It was through that discernment that we transitioned from simply offering juices and smoothies to creating a full, impactful experience.”

Before opening Fresh Press, Sylvester enjoyed visiting cafés. “If a place served a good breakfast, Kinesha would be there, without fail. That passion hasn’t changed, even now that a café is in my care”.

When asked what informed her choice of dishes on the menu and distinguishes her café from others, she replied, “I drew inspiration from dishes I loved and those that were widely enjoyed, always asking myself how we could elevate them with a unique twist. That approach shaped everything we do in the kitchen. We don’t use seasoning salts; instead, we blend our own seasonings. We choose pink salt over table salt, source our greens from our family system, and intentionally offer a wide range of dairy-free options and no-sugar beverages.”

It was natural to adapt this philosophy to a café, as it reflected the lifestyle of mindful eating that her parents had instilled in her. She believes this approach resonates most with her customers, affectionately called ‘Fambam’, who appreciate enjoying a meal without feeling “overly stuffed”.

Sylvester sees this as “a direct result of the care and consciousness behind what happens in our kitchen.”

The Fresh Press Café started with just two pages but has now expanded into two booklets—one with food and the other drinks. Sylvester said: “As we continue to expand, we listen closely to our Fambam when introducing new items to ensure every addition truly resonates. And if you take a moment to explore our menu, you’ll notice something special: every name is inspired by Caribbean culture, celebrating who we are and where we come from.”

On the drinks menu, cold pressed juices carry names like ‘Caribbean Sunrise’, ‘Island Beet’, ‘Belly Buster’. The food menu is equally creative, featuring dishes such as ‘Hookin Meh’, ‘Like Yuhself’ and ‘Iron Love’.

Menu items have been informed by local and popular observances. The Valentine’s menu was themed, ‘Love on the Island’ and for Lent there are the ‘Iron Love’ and ‘Tuna Melt’ Panini sandwiches, Fish and Chips, Smoked Salmon, and Seasoned Fries.

Shepherding a team

It is obvious that team is important to Sylvester. A glimpse of her Instagram page features members of staff displaying menu items. For Valentine’s, she gifted staff matching chains with heart pendants, “so we’re all connected at heart”, she says in the video.

Sylvester told The Catholic News: “As a shepherd to my team, I continually ask God to shape me, to ensure that I never lead from a place of ego, but from humility and love. I believe this posture sets the tone for how the team, in turn, selflessly pours into our Fambam, and how that same care and intention carries through into every dish we prepare.”

She is thankful for the late Frs Peter de La Bastide CSSp and Msgr Kenneth Spence for their profound role in shaping who she is and inspiring the foundation for the business. “Though they have since passed on, their guidance, prayers, and influence continue to live on through this work,” she said.

Purpose and positive merch

The Café offers branded t-shirts, crewneck sweaters, and cropped hoodies with affirmations. The adult collection has: Walking in this room like God sent me; Current mindset: I can and I will; Watch me; and I matter.

The children’s t-shirts have: I am beautiful inside and out; I am brave; I believe in myself; I can be anything I want to be. A hat is available with the declaration: I am me. That’s my superpower.

Sylvester took her time before launching merchandise. She disclosed that designs were completed but she waited one year as she was not in the “best mental space to release them with the love and clarity they deserved”.

Her tertiary education background in psychology and sociology served her well as she stated, “I was quite intentional about curating a line that goes beyond aesthetics. This collection is rooted in purpose and strong declarations of self, designed to be worn over your heart and on your crown, your head.” Sylvester’s aim is not just selling products, it is to spark a movement rooted in confidence, self-worth, and positivity.

Business resilience and vision

Businesses are currently going through challenging times. Sylvester said there’s been a significant increase in the cost of raw materials over the past six months. “As a micro business for now— we’re claiming growth—this rise has had a noticeable impact on our profit margins,” she stated.

As team lead, she responded by seeking the expertise of mentors whose input helped inform better decisions. The team’s strategic approach is to amplify Fresh Press’ marketing efforts. Sylvester added: “The goal is to drive greater demand, which will allow us to purchase in larger quantities, improve cash flow, and operate more sustainably. We are a close-knit team, and together we are intentionally working to increase our visibility and strengthen the brand.”

She told The Catholic News that money is needed to continue operating but an important lesson of her faith was that it is a tool. “To purchase raw materials, pay our team, cover rent, support community outreach, and sustain the vision,” she said.

Serving well is how the business thrives, but customer satisfaction is always a priority. The latter has provided the impetus for initiatives. On one visit, one Fambam mentioned she didn’t want her drink served in a disposable to-go cup—prompting Fresh Press to invest in reusable mugs. Sylvester’s mother “was not thrilled” the café lacked ceramic plates and “lovingly bought” their first set.

At the Fresh Press Café, she wants her customers to feel a sense of love and belonging through their interactions with the staff and the food and drink consumed. She hopes they experience a desire to return and have a fond memory that they can share with others.

Looking back, Sylvester’s plan was opening “a quick takeaway smoothie and juice bar.” Full dining was never part of the original plan. She sees the growth experienced as a “a reflection of the beautiful people who walk through the doors of the café. I am deeply grateful for each and every one of them and for all of you who will visit us after hearing our story.”