Today's post on Interviewing The Coffee Industry is the lovely Grant from COFFEEwithGPA. Grant is a lovely guy, and The Coffee Life has been mentioned in his YouTube videos (watch here!)
How are you?
I'm doing ok! It has been an odd year with a huge amount of change that was immensely overwhelming to begin with, but as with all change, it brings adaptations. I think it has highlighted the need for all of us to look out or one another and be a pillar of support across he board, we are all in this together, I think it has been the biggest awakening to the fact that we all need one an other!
What do you do for a living?
I changed careers in January of this year and now work in commercial finance and creative marketing (yes all in one place) but I have spent all of my working life in the design industry going Graphic Design, Photography and Videography. For about 6 years until 2020, I also worked as a Creative Pro for Apple.
In terms of the Coffee Industry, how long have you been involved and what do you do?
It started by accident for me, I was sat on a beach in Mexico trying to find a new creative venture to help give me something to focus on and bring me out of my shell a bit, that was back in 2018, I contacted one of my favourite brands at the time and managed to get some support from Maxwell (Colonna-Dashwood) to start my review blog. A year later, a widely know tech Youtuber in Wales peer pressured me into creating a YouTube review channel... It was all down-hill from there, haha!
How has Coronavirus affected you during 2020?
I was starting something brand new to me this year and when Covid hit, my role changed completely, then changed again when we left lockdown for the first time. I have always had work throughout which I am eternally grateful for as I know many did not have the privilege. But it certainly shook my foundations. It was a tough time with very tough conversations though!
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in the industry this year?
Aligning my focus and carrying on! COFFEEwithGPA was a big love for me and then once Covid hit, I had to put so much emotional energy into work that for a time, I lost my love for it completely. It is only now that I am starting to get back on track! That was quite a sad time for me, to lose a love that I once had so strongly!
How have you felt about the Coffee Industry this year?
I have felt so bad for everyone, but equally so impressed. The brands that I love the most, I would say have given me reason to love them even more and it has given me a whole new appreciation for the craftmanship that goes into the equipment, the products and the ethos behind those companies. I have only had the chance to visit one or two coffee shops this year, all of my connections have been roaster side, but wow, what an incredibly talented and resilient group of people they are!
What is something you have missed in the Coffee Industry in 2020?
The buzz around the summer festivals and obviously The London Coffee Festival, but also the ability to get out and explore coffee from around the world. With travel all but halted this year, I've missed the exploration and excitement of journeying to find something amazing.
How has Coronavirus/Lockdown affected your Mental Health?
For me, it has been a rebuilding process. My day to day changed so much that if I'm honest, I lost my way a huge amount earlier this year along with several challenges that took it right out of me. But, with some amazing support, it has given me a scope to rebuild. It's a good and needed feeling.
What are you looking forward to in 2021?
Travel. I miss the travel and the freedom to move. Even though I am happy to be away from all the crowds of modern life, I do also miss seeing the people that shape my life, and my family, hopefully next year we can look back on this and laugh... well, look back and smile that we got through it at least!
Find Grant!
Instagram - Click Here
YouTube - Click Here
Like what I do? Join the club to get exclusive perks and updates
- Exclusive discount to the coffee life co
-Exclusive blog posts and videos
-Exclusive giveaways and competitions for members
$5 a month
Or you can show your support by "buying me a coffee" for just $3
Shop the coffee life co - A store for reusing coffee grounds
Get in touch via email
