Irish Latte Art Championship

My experiences at the Irish Latte Art Championship have been nothing short of amazing! So much work and preparation goes into this one day: training late, putting in hours after work, sleepless nights, even tears! All for the chance to perform with some of the best baristas in the country.

I first fell in love with latte art when I created my very first rosetta a long time ago, but I never had anyone to guide me, correct my mistakes or show me different ways of pouring; I was just teaching myself. Then I met some people from Java Republic and they showed me how to pour tulips and other beautiful coffees. I began practicing with Java Republic just a month and a half before my first Latte Art Competition last year, and I really enjoyed every single second! I couldn’t believe that I placed in the competition-I came 8th! In that moment I was so happy, and it was such a huge achievement for me.

I only started officially working as a barista for Java Republic in June of this year, and I am so glad because Java Republic has given me huge support and training for my second Latte Art Competition, which took place a few weeks ago. They let me stay after work to practice and someone always stayed to train me; sometimes we were practicing until 1 in the morning! Thankfully all of these late nights have paid off. I made it through the semi-finals, and got through to the final the next day. I came 4th in the final-in my second time ever to compete in the Latte Art Championship in November! I’m so proud, and so happy that my dreams of becoming a world class barista and latte art champion are coming true. The people at Java Republic have not just trained me in latte art skills, but they have also trained my mind. So many people here encourage me and believe in me, and when you are surrounded by positivity and encouragement like that, you really start to believe in yourself too! Java Republic take a person’s talents, whatever you may be good at, and create even more talent in you through training, practicing and encouragement. I now feel that the stage is made for me, that the judges are my regular customers, and that they have just come to see me and hear the story that I share to match the pictures on my lattes!

I am very happy to have come 4th place a few weeks ago, but I know now that it is not good enough for me-I want to do even better next time! I will continue training, working and learning until I can take 1st place at the Irish Latte Art Championship, and represent Ireland on the world barista stage! I’m so grateful for the confidence I have received from my mentors at Java Republic, and I look forward to continuing this journey with them.

Until next time,

Maja