Project Description

United Arab Emirates
Mai Eson
The Espresso Lab

 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’ve been in the specialty coffee industry for 4 years now, and I currently work as a Head Barista in the Espresso Lab Dubai. I was never a coffee drinker not until I started my first job in a busy cafe and got hooked up with coffee. I started studying more about it and explored until I got involved in some competitions.

What are you excited to do while you are in Seoul?:

Of course, coffee searching, visit some villages and palaces. Trying their street food!

Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:

Coffee Nowhere Latte Art competition 2015 – Champion
Gold Box Latte Art Championship 2016 – Champion
Pelini Latte Art Championship 2016 – Champion

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:

I would like to thank wholeheartedy my Espresso Lab Team (Fred, Freddy, Mark Small, Mark Big, Danny, Kemal, My boss – Ibrahim.) My coach – Romeo Perello

How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:

Demand for coffee will increase where people appreciate not just the complexity, but the whole chain of the origin itself. Coffee offers a huge opportunity for each farmer, roaster and barista. People who work in the coffee industry will be considered a “professional”, and not just a second rate option for earning money. It is what we love to do. Where there is coffee, there is life.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:

I see myself as a skilled specialty coffee professional, skilled roaster, Q-Grader and barista.

What are your interests outside of coffee?:

A little bit of photography.

 ciomai08

 ciomaiii