The Coffee Life

 Today I thought I would interview myself for Interviewing The Coffee Industry because I am in fact in the industry myself (shock horror!) and to be honest, I've wanted to sit down and answer these questions as someone who has worked throughout the Pandemic and all 3 lockdowns as a barista.

How are you?

Oosh, how honestly to answer that one? I'd say I'm both ok and not ok - not great but definitely could be worse.

This 3rd lockdown has definitely been a shit show for my mental health (I've seen a lot of people saying how this lockdown has been the hardest of the 3, and I completely agree!) and I seem to have not had the best luck in the first few weeks of 2021, but that's ok.

Where do you work? What is your role?

I work at Pallets Tea and Coffee House in Beaulieu as Head Barista - I also have my own business (hey look at that you're already on it!) The Coffee Life. However I have made the decision to temporarily close my shop. But it will be reopening in the next couple of months.

How did Coronavirus affect your job during 2020?

When lockdown hit in March, Pallets went from being a cosy coffee shop to a delivery store, delivering general goods to venerable people in the area. We then reopened as a takeaway with our bar up against the door at the end of May and ended up being extremely busy, which we were super grateful for. 

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in the Coffee Industry in 2020?

Keeping The Coffee Life co going whilst trying to work through a global pandemic was definitely challenging - hence my very reluctant decision to temporarily close it.

In terms of Pallets challenges - this pandemic has really brought out the best and worse in people - I have customers who are the loveliest, most patient and kind people I've met, and then there are the other kinds of customers who seem to want to take out the pandemic on workers, I've got some stories I can tell about them for sure. 

How have you felt about the Coffee Industry during 2020?

I have lots of mixed emotions, most probably quite controversial - however it's definitely a community I'm proud to be of.

What is something you've missed in the Coffee Industry in 2020?

Oh my goodness, the events and festivals, the people, the BUZZ of a caffeine high from cafe hopping and having no idea if you'll make it home without having a panic attack (hoping that's not just me on that one). 

How has Coronavirus/Lockdown affected your mental health 

In a short answer, it's been awful - this is the worst my mental health has been in 7 years, however things are sure to look up soon, I'm sure.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

I have a lot of personal/self growth goals for this year, and actually get my mental health back on track - I guess I'm looking forward to some mental stability (ha!)

Other than that, I hope I can see some of my beautiful coffee friends this year, and give them a big squeeze (Izzy, I'm especially talking about you!!!)

Find Me

Instagram - Click Here

Twitter - Click Here

Tik Tok - Click Here

YouTube - Click Here

Support The Coffee Life

Show your support by "buying me a coffee" for just $3 

Shop the coffee life co - A store for reusing coffee grounds

Find me on social media 

Get in touch via email

 Today's guest on The Coffee Life is another James (is everyone in the coffee industry called James?! Do you guys have a secret club??!) - This particular James is the founder of BubbleHead Barista, speaking of which, there will be a blog post all about his coffee in Febuary!

How are you?

I'm good thanks. Currently balancing working and home schooling due to the obvious. Normally have my wife around but running solo at home this week due to her exams.

What do you do for a living? / What is your company called?

I work for the Royal Navy as a Mine Clearance Diver. I've been in the Navy for the last 13.5 years (not that I'm counting).

I have also started up a company called Bubblehead Barista in 2020. This is my side project for now but when I leave the Navy will become full time. 

How did Coronavirus affect your job during 2020?

Since Covid appeared it has slowed down many of my international exercises in 2020. For Bubblehead not much has changed. We were born during the pandemic so things were tailored around that. Only issue is we haven't been able to get out to events to meet people.

Did you have to change any aspect of your company to adapt to new regulations?

Not really. Only thing was the socially distanced deliveries we did but I have a loud voice so was able to chat to customers which was nice.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in the Coffee Industry in 2020?

Getting started.

How did you feel about the Coffee Industry in 2020?

I think it's amazing. So many friendly people all willing to offer help and assistance when needed. Just a good bunch of people. Can't wait to be able to meet in person.

What is something you have missed in the Coffee Industry in 2020?

Meeting like minded people at events. Jan 20, I went to my first tasting evening at Hideout Coffee and really enjoyed it. Then lockdown ruined that for the rest of the year.

How has Coronavirus/Lockdown affected your mental health?

I'm very lucky that it hasn't affected me or my family too much. We've had each other from the start and during summer time we have a garden to play in. We also have a small home gym so we were living large at the start. We still are but it's now cold outside and things are getting a little repetitive. But on the whole we're good at this end.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

I think I might have mentioned it above, meeting people and attending events. I also really wanna start doing coffee courses. I've been speaking to a few people so hopefully I can start building some true knowledge. 

Find James

Bubblehead Website - Click Here

Instagram - Click Here

Twitter - Click Here

 Today's guest on The Coffee Life is Matthew, who is doing some incredible roasting for Thypoon Roasters.

How are you?

Composed, caffeinated and optimistic for what is to come in 2021.

Where do you work? What is your role?

I am currently a roast master at Typhoon Roaster's new showroom in Prague. Interestingly the company actually manufactures their own roasters in Russia. When I'm not on site at the roastery space I sometimes help new clients get set-up with their new machines or am working on building new wholesale relationships. I love roasting coffee and am endlessly working to tweak, refine and improve my skills.

How did Coronavirus affect your job during 2020?

Well, due to the Coronavirus happening, in a strange twist of 2020 fate my three week birthday 'holiday' in Prague early March turned out a lot longer than planned! Because of the lockdown my return flight was cancelled but because I love Prague's unique history and charm, I decided to stick it out here and make something work. It wasn't easy but after navigating working as a barista at an independent cinema and with Amazon in logistics, oddly enough I only stumbled upon Typhoon through a random Facebook ad but was instantly curious due to their intriguing looking roasters. Because of the restrictions I had to start on a flexible part-time basis throughout the later stages of 2020 but because I love coffee roasting I was happy to be patient and become a part of the team. Amazingly the director Daniil has been working on opening the showroom since January and we are now finally all set-up to roast and serve espresso from a shiny white Eagle One. Sometimes things really fall into place!

Did you have to change any aspect of your workplace to adapt to new regulations?

In the showroom all staff wear face-masks when working behind the bar or on the floor and we have hand sanitiser available by the door for customers also. The government have been a bit 'stop / start' here in terms of restrictions a bit like in the UK so it goes without saying that the team are looking forward to getting through the current ones!

What is the biggest challenge you faced in the Coffee Industry in 2020?

After some great experiences helping Brew Coffee Plus get up and running for most of 2019, it was in December / January where I had to make the tough decision to move on from the team there. Perhaps it could have developed into something more for me but I think in those kind of critical moments you've always got to trust your intuition. I'm super grateful for my time there as I learnt a lot about roasting with Enea and ultimately cant wait to to see the brand get more recognised in London which is where I built up a lot of my skills.

How did you feel about the Coffee Industry in 2020?

In 2020, I think the coffee industry really showed how great it is at coming together and acting as a community. Thanks to the proliferation of social media there are more and more interesting connections and conversations taking place - especially through interesting blogs like this one - which only helps to raise more awareness for better coffee and the positive impact that it can have on people's lives. An example of this was the 'Brewing Marathon' initiative set up by the UK brewers cup champion Matteo and Josh Williams. It was great to take part in it to help raise some money for coffee producers in Rwanda, Honduras and Panama who have been having to deal with hurricanes and floods.

What is something you have missed in the Coffee Industry in 2020?

Seeing coffee friends for sure! On a previous coffee making trip to Saudi Arabia with Baristas On Tap (thanks Izzy!) I met some great guys for the first time during the week we spent there. When you're all on the same page and everything clicks you can't beat it, especially when you get to play cards in your time off ;). That was probably the last time I've actually seen a 'coffee mate' in real life but I am working on my Czech gradually so hopefully I can meet some of the movers and shakers of the scene here when things get 'a little' more back to normal.

How has Coronavirus/Lockdown affected your mental health?

Interestingly for me (I had a tough time in this department during my early study days in London), the Pandemic has really strengthened my overall mindset and resolve, which I think is simply because I have managed to stick to my guns and persist in moving myself forwards in the way that I think is most effective. I think a major aspect to this has been to only focus on the key things that I actually do have control over (e.g. getting regular exercise, completing tasks (no matter how small) and thinking strategically about my career). Of course this isn't always easy, (especially when you're getting set up in a foreign country!) but once you start to practise the 'resourceful muscle' and eliminate distractions, you'd be amazed at what you can get done.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

2021 for me is all about summer. A pivo (Czech for beer) or two in the park with some friends and not a face mask in sight (hopefully not too optimistic?) will be just what the doctor ordered! Aside from that I can't wait to help get Typhoon Roaster's new roastery off the ground and running like clockwork.

Find Matthew

Instagram - Click Here

Typhoon Roasters - Click Here

Instagram - Click Here

Showroom - Click Here

Support The Coffee Life 

Show your support by "buying me a coffee" for just $3 

Shop the coffee life co - A store for reusing coffee grounds

Find me on social media 

Get in touch via email

 Today's fabulous guest on The Coffee Life is the lovely Tazmin. 2020 wasn't great for her, she is one of the unlucky ones who lost her job (in a terrible way) due to Covid, so please go over to her Instagram and give her lots of love! 

How are you?

I don't think I have been faced with a period of time that forces me to work on myself which has been quite spiritually freeing. I have had really dark days, especially at the start of the first lockdown. I like to believe I am coming out of this year (2020) a better person by understanding myself more.

Where do/did you work?

I was head barista for Coffee Lab The Square.

How has Coronavirus affected your job?

Furlough was rather tricky; how can a minimum wage job be lowered to 80% if MW is meant to mean living standards?

Redundancy on the other hand was heart breaking. To see a store, you've put so much effort in for, drop you and carry on to employ less qualified staff who I know to have slandered the company and most of the senior management team? I wouldn't wish it on anyone. 

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in the Coffee Industry through 2020?

Job security. I have had some pretty bad experiences whilst trying to continue employment such as contract breeches and general f*ck overs, and the jobs that I am offered where I would love to work (mainly London) just aren't enough pay to warrant a commute and it's definitely not enough to consider moving.

How have you felt about the Coffee Industry in 2020?

This may sound strange but I feel left out. From not working in a dedicated coffee environment I don't feel like I am a part of a community anymore, which really sucks.

What is something you've missed in the Coffee Industry in 2020?

The regulars. Majorly the regulars. I miss caring for people, in service and just as a friend. When I first lost my job, my mind went straight to the people who I would probably never see again and how I find it unfair that I wasn't even able to say goodbye. 

How has Coronavirus/Lockdown affected your mental health?

I have figured out over this year that I centre myself around my job, how there is a direct correlation to how hard I work and the pride I take in my job to how I feel about myself. But now I have four sources of income, however unstable they are, I am concentrating on university as well as my general health.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Starting fresh. No expectations for the New Year. I think this year has shown us what can happen, and I would hate to go into the New Year with any excitement. I want to use the year as a stepping stone. Who knows where I will be in a years time?

Find Tazmin

Instagram - Click Here

Support The Coffee Life

Show your support by "buying me a coffee" for just $3 

Shop the coffee life co - A store for reusing coffee grounds

Find me on social media 

Get in touch via email

 Today's guest on The Coffee Life is Dom - if you didn't know, Dom is my boss at Pallets.

How are you?

2020 was a tough year for me professionally and personally and in turn it has, at times, left me feeling overwhelmed and deflated but looking back over the year there is a lot that was achieved under the circumstances. My weeks consisted on juggling being a dad to my awesome little boy Angus, keeping Pallets afloat and changing the way it operated through Covid and creating a plan for the development of my second business The Beaulieu Bakehouse. Doing all this and working the shop floor of Pallets most days of the week was a huge challenge but you can only look forward and stay positive. Pallets is doing great and has come out the other side very successfully with an amazing team helping me all the way.

Where do you work, what is your job role?

I am the Owner and Director of Pallets Tea and Coffee House in Beaulieu and have recently taken on the lease to The Bakehouse Tea Rooms just down the road from us also in Beaulieu.

How has Coronavirus affected your job?

Well... What a question! It's affected everything. Pallets went from being a very secure coffee shop in the way it operated, to changing into a general store for our locals through lockdown and then a take away hub in the summer when we couldn't open the inside. I had to look at new ways that worked within the rules given from the government which would keep us above the break even point and it was achieved. Our local community kept us alive, gave us purpose and reminded me that I opened Pallets to be a place to connect people together so it was nice to be part of the glue keeping our community supported. The great thing about this was that now Pallets can operate in more than one way if we ever needed to and we know it can still be successful.

What has been the biggest challenge you faced in the Coffee Industry in 2020?

The biggest challenge for me personally again came down to keeping my business from sinking and keeping my staff safe. I love our customers, but honestly we have seen some horrors which has left me wanting to close the doors until it calmed down. To give you one example, back in summer about a week after we were told we could operate as a take away, a lady and her mother and child came to our front door coughing really badly, openly saying to other customers who were waiting outside that she had recently come out of isolation after catching the virus but is she she's fine now... She looked awful and no one was comfortable with her being there just for a coffee! Neither her or her mother were wearing masks and the other customers said to her, rather sternly, that she needed to go home. She decided to ignore them and try and step into the front of the shop, where our counter was to try and order but before she stepped in, I explained that I was not comfortable serving her and agreed that she needed to go home as she could be putting so many people in danger. They begrudgingly walked away and then I had to go round and carefully sanitize any touch point she could have touched in full face mask and gloves. It becomes different when we all have to rely on the common sense of others to keep us safe and we get put in such a vulnerable position everyday, but we had to keep operating. Thankfully we have been very careful but it's nerve-racking when so many peoples well-being relies on you being on it as much as you can. It's also exhausting.

How have you felt about the Coffee Industry in 2020?

What an industry. It's pulled so many together in a way other industries do not. The support between Roasters, Coffee Shops and all professions in the industry has been amazing to see. Even being a place for customers to delve more into the arts of brewing coffee from home and the passion we all have for it is great to see. Although it has been tough for people working for companies that have collapsed, especially when they get zero notice before it happens. I feel deeply sorry for them and it drove me more to ensure it didn't happen to Pallets.

What is something you missed in the Coffee Industry in 2020?

Cuppings and social events, hands down.

How has Coronavirus/Lockdown affected your mental health?

Haha! No... Of course not... YES! Massively, but coming through the other side only helps to make me more resilient but it hasn't been easy and I've felt very alone at times. That's the hardest bit.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Honestly I cannot say as we are not out of the woods yet. What I can say is that I'm excited for The Bakehouse to be complete and operating but I'm very nervous about it at the same time. I'm also excited about having the sun slowly returning! I am definitely going to take more time to enjoy it this year. My son is also 3 this year and is becoming such a little dude so I cant wait to spend as much time with him as I can. 

Find Dom 

Instagram - Click Here

Pallets and The Beaulieu Bakehouse

Pallets Website - Click Here

Pallets Instagram - Click Here

Bakehouse Instagram - Click Here

Support The Coffee Life

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

(information page)

Find me on social media 

Get in touch via email

Today's lovely guest is Millie. I've followed Millie for a long while now on Instagram, so it was brilliant to get her involved in this interview series. She's an incredible barista and also does barista training too! What a dream!

Support The Coffee Life

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

(information page)

Find me on social media 

Get in touch via email