Women in Coffee: Origin Baristas

Setting the standard for exceptional coffee, every day. Across our Cornwall, Bristol, and London (and soon to be Edinburgh) coffee shop locations are brilliantly knowledgeable, inspiring, and likeminded individuals whose commitment to quality, craft, and coffee, are shared in every conversation and cup they serve. This month, as we highlight women in coffee, let us introduce you to some of the women baristas we’re proud to work with.

Follow your passion and interests. The coffee industry offers a variety of roles and opportunities, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your strengths and interests, whether that's being a barista, a roaster, involved in import or export, or managing a coffee shop.Confidence is important; believing in yourself helps overcome gender biases. Stay curious to find what you love in the coffee industry. Connect with other women in coffee and support each other. Keep your passion for coffee strong; it will drive your career.

Tell us about a woman that you admire.

From a young ageI've admired Yu Gwan-sun, a prominent figure in the Korean independence movement, who contributed to the independence movement of women and endeavoured to promote the education of Korean women. She participated in the March 1st Movement at the age of 17 to assist in the establishment of the Provisional Government of Korea. Even during her imprisonment, she continued her activities as an independence activist. She has had a significant impact on the history of Korea's independence movement and is remembered today as a symbol of women's rights and independence, and I realise now how remarkable it is to persist in the face of force and violence. As a Korean, I aspire to be someone who is not ashamed of their efforts, but proud.

If you could meet any famous woman (dead or alive) for a coffee, who would it be?

I've enjoyed Adele's songs for a long time, and I still do. If I had the chance to have a cup of coffee with her, I would love to play her songs loudly and enjoy a chat over coffee together as she seems so down to earth.

Are there any challenges to working in coffee as a woman?

Women still have to overcome stereotypes to enter certain positions such as becoming a coffee roaster. However, I do feel there is a positive trend in coffee and that it is easier now than ever to forge whatever career you like in the industry.

Lift and support other women: it is crucial to collaborate, celebrate each other’s successes and foster a supportive community within the coffee industry. Being confident in your abilities is as important also, so create confidence for women in their roles too.

Tell us about a woman that you admire.

My mum is my absolute inspiration, she embodies strength and resilience whilst demonstrating kindness, and unwavering support. Despite facing some challenges in her life, she has always remained selfless and compassionate. She has brought me up to be the woman I am today.

If you could meet any famous woman (dead or alive) for a coffee, who would it be?

I would meet Audrey Hepburn for a coffee—I’d love to delve into her unique perspective on life and insights into her timeless sense of fashion. I presume her advice would be delivered with the same grace that defined her on-screen career.

Are there any challenges to working in coffee as a woman?

I think general stereotypes about women’s roles within the coffee industry can be seen as a key challenge. A woman’s interests and abilities may influence perceptions in certain roles, such as baristas, customer service, or café managers. If a woman typically said she works in coffee, people instinctively presume she ‘makes coffee’ and ‘perfect latte art’. There is nothing wrong with that, but I personally would like to see more female roasters in Cornwall.

Start researching: you don’t have to make coffee to be apart of it. Being passionate about the different aspectsof coffeeand learning about all the amazing parts that go into it will help with deciding where you want to be.

Tell us about a woman that you admire.

Hiromu Arakawa. She is responsible for creating one of the most well-known shōnen manga ever made. Being able to take up space and keep the passion and excitement for your craft in a male dominated industry is incredibly inspiring especially when making something for others to enjoy. Because of Arakawa more and more women have been able to establish themselves in the shōnen manga scene.

If you could meet any famous woman (dead or alive) for a coffee, who would it be?

Frida Kahlo. She was such a rad queer icon, feminist and activist, who created some of the best and most emotional art pieces.

Are there any challenges to working in coffee as a woman?

Historyhas showcased the service industry as predominately feminine, but ‘speciality’ has made it feel less inclusive—I think it’s the same for chefs, bakers, sommeliers: it’s easy to become disenchanted when you look and industries where there are more men in roles of authority. Finding yourself in a room full of men and very few non-binary or women is challenging, but it’s a step closer, just being in the room. There has been a change during my time in coffee so far—there’s more diversity butit’s still got a long way to go.Being able to do something so fun and that’s changing so quickly is worth taking up space and helping to make space for intersectionality: calling out, sharing and collaborating will only make the coffee industry better for everyone involved!

It sounds cliche but just go for it. I think having some confidence is always helpful but also just be yourself. It can seem quite overwhelming, depending on what department you’re looking at, especially as there’s so much to learn about coffee, but if you’re willing to get stuck in then it’s such a great industry to work in.

Tell us about a woman that you admire.

It would be hard to pick one. I think any female working in the creative field or conservation work right now is inspiring to me. As a wildlife photographer the industry is still very male dominated, but there are some great female photographers who are paving the way and inspiring women to really put their work out there.

If you could meet any famous woman (dead or alive) for a coffee, who would it be? 

Rachel Bigsby! She's a wildlife photographer and Nikon creator--she's only in her mid-twenties and a big inspiration to me.

What are you currently drinking / enjoying?

I’m currently drinking and really enjoying Arica Wubanchi. A really clean and juicy Ethiopian. I actually only found out very recently about the background of this coffee and how Meseret Workneh’s years of experience has steered lots of positive changes for women in coffee.

Are they any challenges to working in coffee as a woman?

I guess this really comes down to departments or job role. For me as a barista, especially at Origin, I don’t feel like I face many challenges working in coffee as a woman. We are lucky to have some great female baristas here at Origin to look up to so that’s always really nice.

Don’t give up! Focus on your strengthsand consider the many routes within the industry that you could follow, that go beyond the coffee counter. Stay curious and further your learning with courses. 

Tell us about a woman that you admire.

My mother—she’s a woman who can dig a garden with her left hand and cook dinner with her right, from nothing. She changed many professions and every time she tried something new,she learned a lot.

If you could meet any famous woman (dead or alive) for a coffee, who would it be?

The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. She needs a good cup of coffee right now.

Are there any challenges to working in coffee as a woman?

Multitasking is assumed as a natural skill for a woman, but while physical and mental activitycombined is great, it can be challenging to maintain, and very tiring.