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!!!)
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