What is your position in the coffee industry?

barista, barista trainer, home barista, coffee enthusiast

Where are you located? ( City and Country )

San Marcos, TX

How many years have you been in the industry?

3

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 started out working at a Starbuck's kiosk on campus at Texas State, where they basically gave me an espresso machine and a recipe book and told me to go nuts. After about three months of that, I quit to work at a local coffeehouse/venue where I learned the subtleties of making coffee and espresso. What I have to show for it now is three years of barista experience, a latte art portfolio, and a loyal clientele of regulars; many of whom have become dear friends. I am constantly seeking new things to improve, new drinks to create, and new people to caffeinate and connect with.

What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?

I would be happy just about anywhere that would allow me to have a job as a barista.

About Me:

I was born in Fargo, ND...yes, like the movie. I have a very eccentric family, both immediate and extended. When I'm not making people lattes and yerba mate, I bellydance and spin fire. I don't really watch TV. I love bands that sound like they just rolled out of bed and started recording music. I always try to see the beauty in the ordinary. I am enchanted by diction and articulation. I am never funny when I try to be, but somehow manage to crack people up while not even paying attention. I really do not like to wear shoes. I am completely fascinated by human connection.

About My Company:

Tantra Coffeehouse is a local coffee shop in San Marcos, Texas that serves as an espresso parlor, restaurant, community center, and venue. We serve organic fair trade coffee and espresso, yerba mate, herbal tea, beer, wine, health foods, and bottled drinks free of high fructose corn syrup. We host events of all sorts, including various local bands, Open Mic, Tribal Night with bellydancers/fire spinning/drum circle, Movie Night, and Poetry Night. Tantra Coffeehouse is a place where people from all walks of life can come and enjoy each others' company.

What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?

The inevitable rich culture that stems from the universal need for a pick-me-up.

Website:

http://www.facebook.com/cassandraofthecoffeebeans