Carmelita "Iran" Ragg is no stranger to building something from a dream. Her passion for baking led her to establish a successful baking school.

The world threw her a curve when the pandemic forced her to close. Finding herself at a crossroads, Iran found herself yearning for a new venture, one that would bring her closer to her long-standing dream of owning a coffee house.

This time, she was thrown a lifeline thanks to a transformative training opportunity provided by the Cagayan de Oro Trade and Investment Promotions Center (Oro-TIPC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with Jamaican F&B Training Center, Inc.

Iran is one of 56 aspiring coffee connoisseurs who participated in a comprehensive seminar workshop on Coffee Shop Business Basics with Barista Training. Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Iran listened attentively, diligently took notes, and actively asked questions. She paid particular attention to the intricacies of business planning, marketing, financial management, and operations.

On her own, Iran researched how to source premium coffee beans, the peculiarities of roasting, the technicalities of brewing, and the art of creating exquisite specialty drinks. Armed with this newfound knowledge and a burning desire to succeed, Iran embarked on a new chapter in her life.

Today, Iran's vision has come to fruition as she proudly opens the doors of her very own coffee shop, Maison Blanc. Located in Barangay Macasandig, across the street from Corpus Christi School.

Maison Blanc is a cozy and inviting new haunt for coffee lovers. The welcoming aroma of freshly brewed coffee hints at the array of delightful offerings expertly crafted from carefully selected beans.

The success of Maison Blanc has exceeded Iran's wildest dreams. Embracing her clients' feedback and preferences, she continuously refines her menu, ensuring a fresh experience for every guest. And that finger on the pulse of her clientele is paying off as word-of-mouth spreads, drawing in aficionados and wide-eyed initiates from across the city and beyond, fueling Iran's plans for expansion.

Iran's journey is a testament to her determination and resilience, which the LGU-DTI-Jamaican F&B training further fanned into the raging flame, which now drives her quest to create a haven for coffee lovers, and inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of any and all opportunities and to relentlessly pursue their dreams.

Click here to view City Information Office's interview with Ms. Carmelita Ragg