Australia’s Richest Barista 2024 reveals her favourite places to drink coffee in Melbourne, how she plans to spend the $25,000 prize, and her ambition to start roasting.
When and where was your first job in the coffee industry?
Around 10 years ago I started working at a Malaysian coffee shop in Abbotsford, Melbourne. I had zero experience and knew nothing about coffee, but the manager was kind and taught me how to make an espresso. After the café closed in the evenings, I would stick around to practise pulling shots and steaming milk.
What inspired you to pursue a career in coffee?
I was really curious about latte art, and that attracted me to the industry initially. The more I learnt about coffee, the more I started to enjoy dialling in new beans and understanding different flavour profiles.
Favourite part about being a barista trainer?
I’ve always loved making coffee and chatting with customers, but as a barista trainer I enjoy sharing my experiences with others who are also interested in coffee.
Biggest accomplishment to date?
Launching Junnie Coffee Workshop. I started it at the back of my kitchen with a small training studio, and it’s grown really well over the past few years, gaining respect from people in the industry.
Most memorable coffee experience?
My first proper date with my husband, who also works in the industry, was at Factory Coffee in Bangkok, Thailand. We shared two coffees – one pourover, one white – and they were both fantastic.
What’s your usual coffee order?
I make myself a pourover every morning as soon as I wake up, but if I go out for coffee I’ll order both a filter and a white coffee to compare the two.
Favourite local place to drink coffee?
In Melbourne, I like Ona Coffee in Brunswick and The Flour in West Melbourne.
What’s your brunch order?
If it’s on the menu, I’ll always order eggs benedict with pulled pork. Failing that, I’ll go for a salmon dish – we recently went to Mister + Miss in Mont Albert which did a great salmon brunch.
How did it feel to be crowned Australia’s Richest Barista 2024?
I was happy and surprised. Cupping is not my strong point, I only started training in it when I entered the competition, so I was unsure how well I’d do in the final round. Even though I’d done a lot of training in preparation, during the competition I still doubted myself, so I was very humbled when I won.
What will you do with the $25,000 prize?
I’m hoping to go on a family holiday: either to New Zealand when it’s warmer, or to Japan so I can take my daughter to Disneyland.
Your advice for baristas looking to compete?
Enter a few smaller competitions before taking part in something bigger such as Australia’s Richest Barista. It’s important to have experience presenting on stage to crowds to build your confidence.
Future goals in the coffee industry?
I’ve recently started roasting my own coffee with an Aillio Bullet, which I’ve kindly been loaned. I’m still new to roasting, but I’m looking forward to learning more.
This article appears in the August/September 2024 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
