“What inspires me daily is the work itself,” says Juan “Enki” Suarez, a coffee buyer whose passion took root years ago in Venezuela. Back then, he was studying mechanical engineering, but a university strike forced him to look for something new. A weekend barista course offered a simple solution: keep busy and earn a little money. It turned out to be the start of an extraordinary journey. In those two short days, Enki discovered a world of espresso machines, temperature gauges, and endless flavor possibilities. He only touched the machine for ten minutes, but he fell in love with its complex ..read more

We’re excited to announce that the I’M NOT A BARISTA Internship Program is back for 2025! This year, we are looking for passionate individuals who share our mission of giving a voice to the unsung heroes in the coffee community. If you are eager to make a global impact, grow your skills, and be part of meaningful projects, this is your opportunity.   coffee internship 2025 Why Join Our Internship Program? At I’M NOT A BARISTA, interns are more than just team members – they are changemakers. Our program is designed to: Empower You: Build your skills in storytelling, digital marketing ..read more

“What inspires me daily is the work itself,” says barista and coffee consultant Suraj Bhandari from Nepal, now based in Dubai. This ex-pat found his passion in specialty coffee, championing Nepali coffee on the global stage. His story reflects the journeys of countless individuals who leave home in search of better opportunities—and discover something extraordinary along the way.   Suraj Bhandari is brewing coffee with AeroPress Suraj Bhandari first arrived in Dubai in 2017 and started working as a waiter in a café. Six months later, his manager, Sumit Jatwani, noticed his fascinatio ..read more

Meeting Yunxian Li, also known as Xianxian, a barista at Café Modori in Guangzhou, was a completely serendipitous experience—one that reminded us how coffee connects people who share a true passion for this beverage. After the bustling Shenzhen Hotelex, we spent two unforgettable days in Guangzhou, guided by Xianxian and her partner Lin. Despite their busy schedules and an upcoming competition, they graciously used their day off to show us around the city. Their generosity and kindness left an indelible mark on us. Our journey began with a tour of Guangzhou’s vibrant coffee scene. Yunxian ..read more

As we bid farewell to 2024, we reflect on a year filled with milestones, challenges, and an unwavering commitment to the coffee community. This year, we reached a total donation of $14,749, a testament to the collective efforts of our incredible charity partners and supporters. A big shoutout to all of you who made this possible!   Highlights of 2024 The GCAG Initiative with TIMEMORE This year, we launched the Global Coffee Alliance for Good (GCAG), a collaborative project with TIMEMORE aimed at empowering coffee farmers and promoting sustainability. With TIMEMORE’s generous $4,000 con ..read more

Every two years, the National Vocational Skills Competition, organized by the Chinese Educational Center, gathers professionals from various industries to showcase their talents and dedication. This prestigious event is not just a platform for skill recognition but a celebration of community, hard work, and passion. National Vocational Skills Competition In 2024, I’M NOT A BARISTA had the honor of contributing to this meaningful initiative. Thanks to Xiaoya, a talented barista we supported in 2023, we connected with the event organizers and offered a special gift to every competitor, judg ..read more

Everyone starts somewhere. For Bilawal Khan, it began as a waiter in 2018, working in a café. He wasn’t initially aiming for a career in coffee, but something about the craft of making coffee sparked his curiosity. Watching baristas create intricate latte art and seeing the joy it brought to customers, Bilawal wanted to be part of that. It wasn’t long before he made the leap to become a barista, and from there, his passion for coffee only grew. Bilawal Khan You might relate to that feeling—the spark of curiosity that hits when you see something done really well. The first time you tasted ..read more

Coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a culture, a passion, and for many, a way of life. But as the industry grows, cracks are starting to show in what we thought was a relatively pure and human-centered community. Beneath the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lies a less savory truth: the rise of unethical practices by some brands and the influencers who unknowingly or knowingly support them. The Real Price of a Cup of Coffee- Ethics in the Coffee Community The Shift in the Industry The coffee industry, unlike others struggling during economic downturns, has thrived even in challenging t ..read more

Shenzhen, China — November 2024 — I’M NOT A BARISTA is proud to announce the launch of the Global Coffee Alliance for Good (GCAG), an extension of the Charity Coffee Wristband Program, which unites coffee lovers worldwide to support farmers and baristas in need. Launching in partnership with TIMEMORE, and Fundación Federico, GCAG’s pilot program in Colombia will provide essential coffee training, resources, and community collaboration to empower small-scale coffee farmers. This initiative will officially kick off at TIMEMORE’s booth during Shenzhen Hotelex, December 12-14, where all coffee ..read more

Jaye Sanders’ story isn’t just about coffee; it’s about resilience, finding joy in the small things, and sharing that happiness. From New Zealand, she began working with coffee at 15, but it’s her personal journey that truly shines. Jaye Sanders Jaye’ journey into the world of coffee isn’t marked by world championships or grand moments of fame; instead, it’s a story of passion, resilience, and personal connection. For Jaye, coffee is more than a career—it’s a way of life that intertwines her love for family, community, and personal growth. Her story began at the age of 15, when she stepp ..read more