Photo credit: Yuki Zhang @jjang.yongjii
We met Mia when she volunteered at the New Zealand Cup Tasters Champion 2019 and the Meadow Fresh New Zealand Latte Art Championship 2019. She wowed us with her commitment, sense of humour and willingness to work hard in a high-pressure competitive environment. She has joined the Guild so we interviewed her about her coffee journey.
What is your earliest NZSCA coffee related experience?
My earliest experience was volunteering for New Zealand Cup Tasters Champion 2019 and NZ Latte Art Championship 2019.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I always wanted to be an interior designer. I went to college in Australia to study architecture. I had a part-time job during Uni then the job changed whole my dreams and career.
When did you first get working in coffee?
It was on the seventh of May 2007. It is unforgettable.
What led you to become a barista/role you’re in now?
I have a very capricious personality. I am easily fed up with the same repetitive routine. Making coffee seems repetitive routine but every single coffee, every single moment is different. You can not let your guard down. It has fascinated me so far.
What is the best part of your job?
I can make people start the day as a pleasant morning with my coffee.
Talk us through a typical workday:
Pretty much same with others. Start at 6:30 am, setting up, open from 7 am. Coffee rush starts from the beginning when the quiet moment comes it is already time to have lunch and go home.
What is your favourite brew method and/or coffee origin and why?
Definitely espresso brewing / no need to explain !!
Tulip or rosetta or swan?
Swan!!
What are your interests outside of coffee?
I am making candles lately.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope I work for my own place in New Zealand.
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?
Many changes are now being attempted and fashioned. It may develop another category in the beverage industry.
What would be your dream ‘coffee experience’?
I’ve been dreaming Coffee machinery tour in Italy.
Thanks, Mia we hope to see your wonderful character back at the Championships next year. If you’re keen to volunteer, register now: