LELEKA Founders' journey

Meet Victoria and Alex, the husband and wife team bringing LELEKA Coffee.

Five years ago, our family "landed" here in San Diego, trading the familiar landscapes of Ukraine for the endless blue skies and deep orange sunsets of Southern California. Like the Leleka—the stork that symbolizes family and new beginnings—we brought our most precious cargo with us: our children and a lifelong obsession with the perfect cup of coffee.

We aren't just roasters; we’re working parents who understand that a great morning starts with a great brew. But we’re also coffee veterans.

Our journey started back in the early 2000s. Back then, we worked for big coffee enterprises, learning everything from brewing and roasting to competing in national and international championships.

We also shared our knowledge by training other baristas: In 2010, we opened the most recognizable specialty to-go coffee shop in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, driving the specialty culture among the first in the country. Traveling the world has opened our eyes to different coffee traditions, constantly evolving our taste and requirements for coffee. 

So, with a cumulative 30+ years in the Specialty Coffee industry, our story is literally written in caffeine. In fact, we first met at a National Coffee Championships — two participants who found a shared passion that eventually led us across the globe to your neighborhood.

Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. We’re just here to help you fly a little higher! ;-)