Natalia Piotrowska, Poland - World Barista Championship

Poland
Natalia Piotrowska
Bless Coffee Roasters

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

When I was younger I always wanted to become an actress. After high school, when I was 18, I applied to drama schools here in Poland. I succeeded quite far in film school in Łódź. Out of a thousand people applying, after several days of exams, I was in group of 30 people who were considered to start the first year. However there were only 20 places ! After not getting my dream spot, I decided to leave my country and to see what else is waiting for me. In 2008 a new chapter seemed to begin for me in Ireland. At the time, I considered Ireland as a destination only for one year but… what a journey it happened to be! I started my first job as waitress, getting up the ladder and stepping into managerial positions along, and of course getting to know a bit about coffee day by day. My first barista competitions were in 2010/2011. I was a barista and coffee trainer across a few departments, and I always enjoyed sharing knowledge with others. Later in 2015 I started a coffee and barista consulting service in Ireland, and I also had an opportunity to represent Ireland at the 2015 World Barista Championship in Seattle, and in 2016 in Dublin. Through all those years I have had the pleasure to work in the hospitality industry and the experience I have gained is one of the most valuable experiences. In September 2016 I moved back home to Poland, and in January 2017 I opened Bless Coffee Roasters—a coffee roastery located in beautiful Warmia-Masuria district in Olsztyn, where I fill probably every possible role, from managing the business, to roasting coffee, and I love it.

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

I am really excited to meet the culture and get a feel of the environment there. I think it will be one of the best experiences I ever have. I can’t wait to see coffee culture in Seoul, exchange ideas and see new culture approach towards hospitality.

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

2017 Polish Barista Championship – 1st Place
2016 World Barista Championship – 7th Place
2016 Irish Barista Championship – 1st Place
2015 Irish Barista Championship – 1st Place
2015 World Barista Championship – 32nd Place, Round One

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

Mostly my local community in Olsztyn, Poland, for being so open to taste speciality coffee and for being eager to learn about speciality coffee—considering the coffee culture here have been quite removed from the rest of world. I would like thank them for the trust they have given me while introducing them to the world of coffee, and for the support during my championship preparation. I would also like to thank everyone who have cheered me on my way to Seoul and in previous years competing, also big thank you to my sponsors. Words and thoughts of appreciation are also going towards Sasa Sestic and Sam Corra.

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

I have first hand experience building coffee culture where I live now, and most of people here have never heard about speciality coffee before. I see great potential in the way we can lead those remote communities into being an integral part of the coffee world, and I see great potential in millennials—especially their interest about coffee professions. I think the way I see our industry changing in the future is to open this world even more to the regular consumer, and to allow the consumer to just enjoy a cup of coffee. I think speciality coffee will have a wider influence in the foodservice and retail market.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:

I see myself as stable and trusty employer, with a well established business, and the ability to employ, and help the development of a new generation of baristas, roasters and hospitality staff. I see my roastery, Bless Coffee Roasters, located in a more independent space, along with a well equipped training space and people learning about coffee and sharing the knowledge with others. I see young baristas and roasters working together with drive and passion. I also see myself as a host to guests coming to my shop, which I am planning to establish in the near future, and also as a coffee knowledge sharing person.

What are your interests outside of coffee?:

Throughout years I realised I have deeper and deeper interest in sociology and human development. I enjoy walks and running.

natalia.piotrowska.942 | Bless Coffee Roasters