What is your position in the coffee industry?

barista, manager, barista trainer

Where are you located? ( City and Country )

Evanston, Illinois, USA

How many years have you been in the industry?

10

If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?

yes

Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.

I've worked as a barista for going on a decade, first in Seattle and then for about three years managing an awesome independent cafe in Evanston, Illinois. Latte art, microfoam, vivace-style high quality drinks, creating new and seasonal drinks, baking and making local and delicious food, training folks, running a successful and popular biz.

What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?

Ireland, Germany, Spain/Catalonia, Seattle, Boston, on and on...

About Me:

I left the coffee shop I was managing at the beginning of the year to work on an organic farm and write fiction. I'd like to spend some time this winter making coffee somewhere until I head back to Illinois in Spring.

What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?

I love the people, so many creative and awesome people, that I constantly meet-- both behind and across the counter.

Website:

http://www.facebook.com/val.loughney