Cherryl Guadalquiver may have only placed third in the Lavazza My Mocaccino Barista Challenge, but for her, the experience was still a huge win. In an exclusive interview, she shares her journey of preparing for the competition and representing the UAE in Italy, as well as her thoughts on being crowned as a champion and her future plans as a barista.
Competing in the Lavazza Barista Challenge was a dream come true for Cherryl, who had been aiming to compete at a national and international level. She started practicing her routine as early as September 2022 and continued until January 2023, despite the tough and tiring preparations. It was something that she truly wanted to do, and the experience of competing in Lavazza Barista Challenge was simply remarkable.
When she was selected to represent the UAE in Italy for the competition, Cherryl was thrilled and honored but also felt a lot of pressure. She was bringing the name of her country to an international stage, which was both overwhelming and nerve-racking. However, being able to travel to Italy was a win already for her. She had always wanted to see Milan, and the experience was something that she would forever keep.
One of the key moments that stood out for Cherryl during the competition was getting to know other competitors from different countries. It was interesting and fun to interact with other baristas and learn about their cultures and coffee-making techniques. Although she was crowned as the Lavazza Barista Challenge Champion, Cherryl humbly attributes her success to her team’s effort. She believes that it was a victory for the team, not just for herself.
When asked about her advice to aspiring baristas who want to compete at an international level, Cherryl emphasized the importance of loving what you do and being passionate about it. She believes that when you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t feel like a job anymore. Competing or being a barista is not easy, and determination is crucial.
Cherryl’s journey into the coffee industry was not typical. She was initially hired as a hostess in a coffee shop, and her boss convinced her to try being a barista, even though she didn’t like coffee and didn’t drink it. But eventually, she fell in love with coffee and found herself unable to go through a day without it.
Winning the Lavazza My Mocaccino Barista Challenge was a shock for Cherryl. She didn’t expect it since she did not finish her whole routine and got overtime. When they announced her name, she was so surprised and couldn’t believe it because she was not expecting it anymore. For her, it was already a huge win to place third.
From the competition, Cherryl learned the value of perseverance and the skill of decision-making during a difficult situation. She realized that during a competition, there is no room for mistakes, so one must master the skill of making a decision in an inevitable situation. To keep herself up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the coffee industry, Cherryl uses the internet and social media as tools for learning and experimenting.
For her future plans, Cherryl is determined to compete again in other international competitions. But for now, she is enjoying making coffee and sharing her knowledge about it to everyone who visits their place. Cherryl’s story is an inspiration to aspiring baristas who dream of competing at an international level. Her journey proves that with determination, perseverance, and passion, anything is possible.