What’s your name, what do your friends call you?
My name is Tilly, but most of the time I just get Til ????
What’s the best thing about being a barista?
Apart from the fact it’s the best job in the world? Seriously! As a barista, not only is it a whirlwind of learning but an opportunity to meet and chat to people every day. There’s no denying coffee is one of the most important parts to a persons day, not only does it need to taste delicious and to be shared with good energy & a smile, it’s our opportunity to connect the story of the coffee to our customer.
What’s The Best Moment Of Your Barista Career?
One of the biggest, most impactful moments of my career would have to be travelling to origin. I could tell you about all the parts that’s completely blew me away but I’d need A LOT of real estate on this page to type haha
If You Could Change One Thing For The Better About The Coffee/Café Industry What Would It Be?
I would love to see a change in our coffee service & to lengthen the time of interaction with our customers. There’s no doubt we are starting to see this transition, from the simple ‘flat white’ order to our customers becoming more curious about the coffee they are drinking and specifically asking for a certain blend or single origin, I still believe we have a long way to go. I would say 70% of our customers are unsure what they are drinking or why it taste the way it does, what I would love to see in every café is more talk about the coffee, a longer interaction and chance for education and the opportunity to create closer ties between our coffee and our customer. We need to take the education of our baristas & café owners to the next level and in tern, this education is vital to our growth within our coffee industry. Perhaps we can see a higher price on coffees in the café and more curiosity from the customer. Coffee always has a story that needs to be shared ????
How Do You Think Aussie Barista Skills Stacks Up To The Wider World?
I see us right up the top of the ladder, we are lucky to be in such a supportive community of professionals. Aussie barista’s take a lot of pride in their skills and are always looking for ways to improve. We also have access to some of the best coffees around the world. From a roasting level we have world class professionals constantly educating on how to get the best out of these coffees. No body is left behind, it’s a very inclusive industry and the calibre of baristas are remarkable and we all push each other to be the best version of ourselves that we can.
What’s Your Best Tip/Trick When Making Coffee On Dairy Free Milk?
Making coffee on ADC is a breeze! It’s such a great product to work with. A few tips I would recommend is heating to 55 degrees and ensuring you minimize the texturing process just slightly. I also like to pour quite quickly with nice big rolling circles to ensure the creamiest and most balanced experience with the coffee.
How Important Is It To Buy Locally or Australian, Why?
So important! These days we are all a little more aware of what we are buying, where it is from, how it has been produced/made and by who. If we can all make the effort to be a little more transparent and sustainable about where we put our money, buy a little more locally, our communities will be in a better place. Support local, minimise travel and freighting items, lowers carbon footprint, support local farmers, local produce, local business.. now that’s a happy community.
What Do You Aspire To Be Both Professionally Or Personally?
For me, I just aspire to be the best version of Tilly I can be. Both professionally and personally its important I remain true to myself and what is important to me. There is much uncertainty in the world right now and I’m realising it’s more important to live & work with passion and enjoyment rather than strive for an overly specific goal.
What’s One Thing That People May Not Know About You That Makes You A Little Alternative?
Before I fell in love with coffee I was convinced I wanted to be a town planner, I studied Urban and Regional Town Planning at uni. Some days I think, wow, I could have been working at the local council, but instead I’m here in coffee living my dream job and I honestly couldn’t be happier!!
