Kristen
  • Female
  • Austin, Tx
  • United States
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Kristen's Friends

  • rothko
  • paulito
  • Tara Noreika
  • Michael Binns
  • Rachael Renk Simas
  • Greenway Barista
  • Max Gonzalez
  • Jennifer Ramos Perkins
  • Sean Marshall
  • Lorenzo Perkins
  • Alun Evans
  • Michelle
  • Damian
  • vincent
  • Amber Sather

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Crema Rules Everything Around Me

Profile Information

What is your position in the coffee industry?
barista, coffee enthusiast
Where are you located? ( City and Country )
Austin, Tx
How many years have you been in the industry?
2.5 years
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.
Well, I believe I am someone who is responsible, willing to learn, and passionate about coffee. I care a lot about the quality of the cup I serve, and I also care a lot about creating a positive experience for each customer that enters the cafe. I want people to leave happy, and I love that feeling you get when you know that you've just made someone's day. :)
What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?
portland, san fransisco, other shops in Austin!
About Me:
I am 22 years old, and have worked in three coffee shops; an independent shop in Houston (Taft Street Coffee), an independently owned franchise in Maryland, and a shop in Austin. Working for a franchise is frustrating at times. My heart will always be with the independent "little guy" shops. I'm a vegan, crafter(sewing, cross stitch, knitting), and tea drinker. I'm a supporter of fair trade, and direct trade! I'm also a BGA member!

I'm determined to learn what I can to better myself and my career. At this point, I'm just interested in being trained in as many things as possible. I crave coffee knowledge, and I feel an overwhelming need to obtain as much as possible. In September of 2008, I attended a barista training held by Intelligentsia in NYC. It helped a lot. I've spent two years learning the basics of espresso preparation, and I feel that I still have tons to learn even about that. Everyone I meet always has something to teach me. I've just started dabbling with Latte art, so I'm definitely a Novice in that area, but I think it's super fun and I want to be awesome at it. Someone teach me to be awesome!

I'd love to attend training at many different places, and I'd eventually like to participate in more coffee cuppings, learn how the espresso machine works on the inside, maybe a little maintence/repair training, and I'd definitely be interesting in learning how to roast eventually. I wish I had more oppertunities to stop lurking youtube tutorials(but thank you, Ritual Roasters!) and burying my nose in nerdy coffee books... and actually participate.

I just want to be good at what i love to do. oh, and I don't want to spend my life in a cubicle.
About My Company:
I work for Austin Java (the original location @ 12th and lamar) right now. nothing to write home about in the coffee department, but I enjoy my co-workers and the atmosphere a lot.
What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?
the "community hub" that coffee shops create, the people, pulling shots, trying my hand at latte art, and meeting other coffee nerds like myself.
Website:
http://sugar-skull.com

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Comment Wall (27 comments)

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At 2:51pm on April 27, 2009, Jennifer Ramos Perkins said…
Hey Lady - it was awesome to talk to you Saturday! I am so glad to see the Austin Coffee community coming together frequently to share their passion! The book I was telling you about is "The Female Brain: by Louann Brizendine.com. I look forward to seeing you again - hopefully before next month!
At 2:14pm on April 4, 2009, Troy Reynard said…
I'm doing well Kristen, how about you? I'm sending one of my customers in to see you, she's going to be in Austin next week!
At 5:14am on March 31, 2009, paulito said…
thank you so,so, much!!! beautiful info i really appreciate it. a 1bdrm in my town gets no cheaper than $1100! isnt that insane! especially considering that its almost completely void of cultre. austin sounds great, ill at least have to take a road trip and check it out, ill definately hit you up for the cafe tour ! thanks again
At 5:48am on March 30, 2009, paulito said…
very nice to meet you aswell!!! thanks for the heads up! is there a cool coffee culture in austin? whats the cost of living like? i feel like if i dont get out af la soon errepairable damage will have been done to my soul!
At 9:18pm on March 29, 2009, Aaron Blanco said…
Thanks for your kind words. Lorenzo did a great job getting this whole thing set up. I'm glad so many folks thought it was worth their while to attend and PARTICIPATE! Here's to many more...
At 10:26am on March 12, 2009, Dan Streetman said…
hey Kristen,

hope the Austin Coffee scene is treating well, I will look forward to meeting you at the Saturday Night Smackdown!!


or you are always welcome to come visit our roasting facility in Spicewood.
At 6:46am on November 26, 2008, Michelle said…
Are you in Austin yet?
At 1:12pm on October 29, 2008, Troy Reynard said…
Hey Kristen! What time do you think you'll be there? I'll make sure I'm around.
At 12:25pm on October 29, 2008, Jonathan wesley White said…
Shazam!
Good to have another inked barista among us!
At 8:56am on October 29, 2008, Max Gonzalez said…
Hey Kristen. It is always good to come back to Texas. Let me know when you want to stop by for some training. We are going to have to train at the cafe if it is going to be in November. I wont have the espresso machine hooked up at the roastery until December. Enthusiasm is one of the best tools you can have, so I am looking forward to having you here for some technique critique.

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