Just like many others, I stumbled into the speciality coffee world by chance, but once I started learning more and progressing, I decided to make a career out of it. It all started when I moved to London back in 2016 after finishing Uni; I honestly didn't expect to stick around for more than a year, as I was hoping to return to Spain to continue my then short career as a journalist—but life had other plans. After a few months, I found myself working at a speciality coffee company, completely clueless about what ‘speciality’ even meant! Luckily, I met very knowledgeable people along the way who not only showed me the ropes but also pushed me to become a better barista and even helped me discover some hidden training talents I never knew I had.
Have you ever faced any challenges, in the industry and beyond, as a women?
What woman hasn’t? I had the opportunity to make my way up through the industry quite quickly and, as a woman, and younger person than many of my colleagues or counterparts, I’ve had to face many unpleasant situations, especially from men being extremely patronising. Luckily, I’ve always had a strong character and I have no issue standing up for myself, but I’m aware that many other women may not have the privilege or the character to do that when they find themselves in a challenging situation—it’s not easy having to do it knowing your position or career may be on the line. It also affects your self-worth, it and definitely doesn’t help with the imposter syndrome.
What would you like to see change in the coffee industry to make it more inclusive?
I think we all need to keep working on equity, diversity, and inclusion, in coffee and every workspace. To make the industry more inclusive, I believe we should start by promoting more coffees from women producers – not only occasionally or in March – and try to build long-standing relationships. In that sense, I love the work that Girls Who Grind Coffee do, for example.
Is there a women in the industry who inspires you? Why?
I think that Emma Haines is, by far, one of the most talented people in the UK’s speciality coffee scene. I was lucky enough to be one of her students at the London School of Coffee where I achieved my first SCA certificates; she is someone who I’ve looked up to ever since, who has inspired me to be the professional I am now. I love Emma’s way of not only training but educating people in coffee, and how she puts gender equity and inclusivity in speciality coffee at the centre of the debate.
Growing up, was there a women who inspired you?
My grandma: a strong independent woman who fought alone for her and her children’s future, who built her life away from home without anyone’s help. She has a heart as big as the world.
What's the best advice you've ever receieved as a women?
To choose my battles.
