Mikhail Sebastian’s journey to specialty coffee was anything but ordinary. Born as citizen of the Soviet Union, later found himself stateless, with no country to call his own, he navigated the world with a World Passport in hand, often facing rejection, isolation, and uncertainty. Before becoming an American citizen, Mikhail hid the reality of his statelessness from colleagues, friends, and even strangers—always careful to blend in, to survive, and to keep moving forward.
It was this life on the edge—stranded at airports, confined in detention centers, and navigating the complex borders of geopolitics—that shaped Mikhail’s resilience, curiosity, and empathy. Coffee, with its universality and complexity, became his anchor. From the hills of Pyin Oo Lwin in Myanmar to the cloud forests of Ecuador, the mountains of Nepal, the sun-drenched farms of Cuba, and the lush plantations of Brazil, Mikhail immersed himself in the craft of specialty coffee, learning from farmers, baristas, and roasters who shared their passion and wisdom.
Every cup he tasted told a story: the soil, the climate, the hands that harvested it. And every journey back to a farm reminded him of what he fought for—identity, dignity, and connection. Specialty coffee was more than a profession; it became a lens through which he could explore the world, share experiences, and honor the labor of those who grow, process, and perfect coffee with unwavering dedication.
In Stateless in Paradise, Mikhail Sebastian opens the door to his world—his travels, his struggles, and his triumphs—revealing how a stateless young man transformed adversity into discovery. From navigating exile in American Samoa to tracing the hidden gems of coffee across continents, this memoir is a testament to courage, passion, and the pursuit of belonging.
Join Mikhail on a journey that is as much about the people behind the coffee as it is about the coffee itself. Stateless in Paradise isn’t just a story about travel or coffee—it’s the story of survival, identity, and finding a place in the world where one can finally belong.
Buy Stateless in Paradise: A Stranded Soul’s Fight for Freedom on Amazon, Barnes @ Noble, Goodreads, Google Play, Apple, Books-a-Million, Rakuten Kobo or from the LYNX Publishers
This CNN feature highlights my personal journey during a time when I was stateless, navigating the challenges of travel, legal uncertainty, and exile. The video captures the reality of living without recognized citizenship and the obstacles I faced as I sought safety and belonging. At the time of the broadcast, I had no nationality, relying on the support of humanitarian organizations and advocacy groups. Today, I am proud to be a United States citizen, but this story remains a vital testament to the experiences of stateless individuals around the world.
My book is based on true events. Please support, spread the word and make the difference.
Thank you
Mikhail Sebastian Okunuga (Mikael Okuns)
Coffee @ Farmer 
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