Karim photographed in 1992 By HRH ALBanderi Al Faisal, king Faisal Palace, Riyadh, KSA.

Karim Ramzi is a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur whose journey has taken him from the world of fashion and portrait photography to the art of specialty coffee. With over three decades of experience, he has built an illustrious career as a photographer, journalist, radio host, and founder of the now-defunct “16/9ème, le magazine du film.” His lens has captured the beauty of models, artists, celebrities, and royalty from Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, with his work featured in prestigious magazines, album covers, and international campaigns.

Born in Marrakech in 1961, Karim spent his early years at the Collège Royal alongside His Majesty King Mohammed VI, an experience that shaped his ambition and instilled in him a great sense of discipline. His curiosity later led him to Canada, where he pursued Political Science and Mass Communication at the University of Ottawa.

But it was photography, his true calling, that eventually shaped his career. As he always says, "Follow your mission, and life will take care of the rest."

With an artist’s eye and a storyteller’s heart, Karim built a name for himself in the world of fashion and portrait photography. He set up his studio at Place de la République in Paris, where for over three decades, he captured the beauty and essence of models, celebrities, and royalty. His work wasn’t just about images; it was about moments, emotions, and narratives.

Yet, despite his success, Karim felt a growing desire to explore beyond photography. His love for coffee had always been present, a quiet ritual, a source of inspiration during long studio nights and travels around the world. But curiosity soon turned into obsession. He began attending roasting workshops, visiting coffee expos and meeting coffee growers in places like Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, as well as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Indonesia, immersing himself in the world of specialty coffee. He wasn’t just tasting; he was learning, connecting with farmers, and understanding the craft from the ground up.

Then came a realization: Marrakech, his birthplace deserved a space where coffee was more than just a drink, but an experience. And so, Karim made the bold decision to return home, bringing with him decades of creativity, a passion for craftsmanship, and a vision to redefine coffee culture in Morocco. he created HESPERIS® COFFEE, a Moroccan specialty coffee brand

In the heart of Sidi Ghanem, the artists' and artisans' quarter, he opened HESPERIS Coffee Factory. It was not just a coffee house, but a restaurant, a roastery, a barista academy, and a boutique. Here, every cup tells a story, every bean is carefully selected, and every visitor is invited to share in the experience. Karim personally sources the finest Arabica specialty beans, ensuring that each sip carries the essence of his journey.

For Karim, HESPERIS is more than a business, it’s a reflection of his life's journey, a place where people come together, where creativity flows as freely as coffee, and where passion is poured into every detail. Whether behind the camera or the coffee counter, his mission remains the same: to create, to inspire, and to bring people together through art, be it visual or culinary.

Because at the heart of everything, Karim is a storyteller. And Hesperis is another chapter.

instagram: @karimphotographer

LinkedIn: @karimramzi