Help 2 sisters go to Barista Camp!!

Hi guys! Our names are Christel and Gabbi Rodriguez. We are sisters who are currently trying to raise money to attend Barista Camp in June! Currently, both of us work in production and as baristas at Mostra Coffee, a speciality coffee roasting company based in San Diego. Mostra is such a fantastic company to be a part of! Both of us would love to further our careers with Mostra Coffee or within the specialty coffee industry. Help us raise money to attend Barista Camp to further our education! 



Here's more about us:


Christel

 A little more than six months ago, I got laid off from my job in the grocery industry after putting in almost 12 years of service. In between working, I was also attending school to become a Respiratory Therapist. I graduated about a year ago and was suppose to get my license but I ended up taking on some responsibility at my eldest sister, Jelynn's company, Mostra Coffee. 

When given the opportunity to help grow the business, I had no idea I would have ended up learning to appreciate the art of coffee and truly witnessing the love that people have for it. Since it is a family run business, having the chance to work side by side with my sisters Jelynn and Gabbi, parents, and family friends, makes everything more worthwhile to do so together.

The opportunity to work with my youngest sister Gabbi has been an experience of a lifetime. We've had the chance to spend so much time together and find a common interest in coffee that we can bond over. Despite our 12 year age gap, we work together quite well. In fact, we have a blast! Once I learned about Barista Camp, I just knew that Gabbi and I had to go. Barista Camp will help us grow and develop our skills individually, as well as allow us to support one another as we further our knowledge and education in coffee. 


Gabbi:

I just finished my first year in college and I'm not 100% sure about what I want to do yet. What I do know, is I love what I do at Mostra and this experience could potentially help me figure out if I want to stay in the coffee industry or not. The first time I jumped onto an espresso machine, my interest was sparked. I feel like I've grown immensely while working at this company because I'm shy and quiet, but I have gained so much more confidence, too.  

If I had the chance to go to Barista Camp, to me it would be such an awesome opportunity because I want to be able to learn more about the science and art of coffee. Barista camp would open up new opportunities for me to submerge myself in coffee to further my knowledge and education. 

My favorite part about working at Mostra is the environment that it has. The environment at Mostra is so welcoming, friendly, very family oriented and I love being able to work with my family. The customer service is always 100% and we hope everyone enjoys our coffee. I always look forward to making the espresso drinks for the customers and seeing their reactions when we torch our Creme Brûlée Latte or putting the finishing touches on a Campfire Latte. 

For both of us, seeing the reaction on the customers' faces as they're enjoying their cup of coffee is so rewarding.  They always seem so amazed by the love and detail we put into every coffee we make and how it tastes. 

We both believe that this camp will allow us to offer an even more enhanced coffee experience as well as become better baristas and more for ourselves, the company,  and all of you. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about our story. Please help send us both to Barista Camp! Any donation to help us reach our goal of $2,000 is greatly appreciated. 

Cheers!

Christel & Gabbi

P.S. Stop by Mostra Coffee sometime! We look forward to the opportunity to make your favorite drink or have you try one of our specials! 



Here is some info on what takes place during Barista Camp: (baristaguildofamerica.net)

All courses at Barista Camp are based on industry recognized standards and developed to take your skills to the next level.  Taught by carefully vetted, highly experienced, industry leaders; the instructors and the curriculum at Barista Camp are bar none.  A variety of hands on training workshops and lecture topics will be presented to meet the needs of those new to the coffee trade all the way to the most seasoned specialty coffee veterans.  Baristas, managers, trainers, competitors, café owners and anyone interested in the growth of specialty coffee will be challenged at this unique, fast paced and educational event.