Jun 28, 2019

Share to facebook Share to linkedin NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 10: Shakira performs in concert at Madison Square Garden on August 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) Getty Images Shakira 's mark in the music industry may go down in history, but it's not the only thing the Grammy award-winning artist will be remembered for. The singer has become a force in the business world landing an impressive global partnership with Fisher-Price, while also launching her own foundation and beauty line. However, her most recent business venture is hands down the one to watch as it honors her home country of Colombia. The chart-topper is now an investor in the Austin-based coffee brand High Brew Coffee . Shakira instantly connected with the company's founder David Smith not only due to his commitment to sourcing exceptional ingredients, but also his efforts to give back to the coffee community. As one of the world's leading producers of the beloved beverage, Smith was compelled to support the De Los Andes Cooperative in Shakira's native country. A portion of High Brew's sales from every can goes back to the over 3,000 farmers who are all part of the cooperative consisting of more than 86,000 acres of coffee farms. In short, there's a reason why the high quality ready-to-drink cold brew coffee needs to be on your radar. If you need further convincing, Shakira couldn't help share her experience with the company so far in an interview with Forbes below. Isis Briones: Can you elaborate on why you decided to invest in High Brew? Shakira: "First and foremost, I just loved the product and the packaging. I started out as a fan of the brand. We were stocking it in my dressing room on tour last year, so I reached out to them to learn more and inquire about investing. I also think it’s an exciting time to be able to make investments in early-stage, innovative companies who place a higher importance on consumer values than perhaps companies have in the past. High Brew was a company that exemplified this for me by using premium coffee beans from Colombia and putting quality first." The different High Brew Coffee flavors. Courtesy of High Brew Coffee IB: Yes, the brand's connection to Colombia is amazing. What are some places in the country you would recommend for someone who has never visited? S: "If you ask me, the first thing I will always say is my hometown or Barranquilla, which has its roots as an important port city. Its sister coast city Cartagena also tends to be a big draw thanks to García Márquez and its colonial beauty. Parque Tayrona is another national treasure and Bogotá was a city that nurtured the artist in me with its sophisticated arts and culture scene. Truly, Colombia is so diverse that it’s difficult to pick just a few. IB: Speaking of traveling, what are some things you always pack in your carry-on? S: "I travel a lot, so I tend to bring the things that make me feel like I’m in the comfort of my own home. I carry my own pillow (I have to take it with me everywhere to sleep well) along with my favorite snacks and drinks, since I can’t always find them locally when I’m traveling. Plus, the great thing about High Brew is I don’t have to drink airplane coffee because I can take it to go." IB: Who is your favorite person to travel with and why? S: "My favorite people to travel with are hands down my family. You can’t ask a mother to pick just one!" Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn .Check out my website .