I work as a barista at Bear Bones Espresso on McLachlan Street in Fortitude Valley. Over there, I’m a bit of a jack of all trades, working on the espresso machine, brewing, cooking, cleaning, bagging, roasting, you name it.
Why do you do it?
I caught the "hospitality bug" when I was fifteen, and have been working in the industry ever since. I love the diversity within the work. It was actually just the other day that I was describing it to a friend. Hospitality is just like one of those computer games with different skill trees, and you can spread your training across the various skills, or put some intensive work into just one. There are just so many passions to pursue and perfect.
What do you love about the city you live in?
I'm a big Bris-believer. Our city is the land of opportunity. With so many new cafes and bars opening each week, it isn't only the level of quality within business' that is rising, but the expectations in customers, too. It's a great thing to be a part of.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
I recently came back from attending the Melbourne International Coffee Expo. While the trip was work related, it certainly didn't feel like it. I had a fantastic time enjoying coffee all day, and alcohol all night. Kind of like Batman, only not.
What's your favourite item of clothing? Why?
I love all my Ralph Pants from I Love Ugly. I like to dress tight, but I also have skinny little chicken ankles so most pants that hug my thighs, hang loose around my calves. These don't. As you can probably tell, I've put a lot of thought into this... haaaaa.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid?
Mmmh, probably Big Bad Beetleborgs. It was on over in New Zealand. They were kind of like the cheaper version of the Power Rangers. Eventually, the show was cancelled, but one year on my birthday, there was a random episode on tv, and my mum told me that she had called up the company and asked them to put it on especially for me. That was a good birthday. Street Sharks was also pretty great.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
I'd go back to 1985 to the 'Back To The Future' film set, and pretend I was also travelling back to 1955, 1885, and forward to 2015. I recently watched 'Back To The Future'...
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us?
You'd be coming round for breakfast, and I'd make my favourite smoky, spicy savoury mince on toast with fried eggs and spinach. It's ruddy delicious.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
Something that is a big theme in my life at the moment is that it's best to learn things right the first time. You'll save yourself a lot of hours and energy.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows...
I can't burp. Don't tell anyone.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance?
Yes, I am. I'm very passionate about my work, so they both tend to blend into one another.
How do you define success?
Boy, these questions really are running deep. For me, success has always meant to ensure that you're always growing in some aspect of your life. Every day is a school day.
What's your spirit animal?
I'm the motherfucking fox.
