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Kristen

Female

Austin, Tx

United States

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

Comment Wall:

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paulito

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

Mar 31, 2009
Troy Reynard

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!

Apr 4, 2009
Jennifer Ramos Perkins

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!

Apr 27, 2009