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Interviews
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CV talks with Niki Schulz
Interview with 3rd place Winner of the Western
Canadian Barista Championship of 2005
March 17, 2005
What inspired you to become a Barista?
Well, family actually. My great grandfather started Neates coffee in 1924 and my family has been in the business ever since. I started working at our Granville Island store when I was 13 as a barista and 9 years later I'm still at it. I have stayed a barista for so long because I love all things culinary and customer service drives me. The team aspect of being a barista has also had a great affect on my passion.
How long did you train for the Western Canadian Championship?
My fellow team mate Amanda-Rae and I began intensive training at start of February, but planning started back in December. We both work full time so it was quite the challenge to fit in training time. Amanda-Rae was a great encourager and has some wicked creativity that was quite obvious in her performance. Working as a team was really beneficial in understanding mistakes and ways to improve.
Where and when was the first Barista championship you competed in?
I competed for the first time last year in the Canadians in Vancouver and prior to that only in house competitions.
Describe the drink you created as your "custom" drink in this year's Western Canadian Barista Championship & how long did it take to create your signature drink?
My drink was a hedgehog macchiato. A combination of nero forte espresso, organic milk, organic hazelnut extract and shaved semi sweet callebaut chocolate. The espresso was seasoned with a pinch of organic sea salt. It was a drink in the making for several months, the salt I had thought of years ago from a chef in Portland who said everything needs a little bit of salt. The drink was semi sweet and the salt accented the espresso by increasing the body of the drink.
What is your own personal favorite coffee?
My morning drink is a 6oz latte or cappuccino with a double shot of espresso. Intense, sweet espresso and creamy.
What advice/tips do you have for Baristas just getting started?
Just don't give up and don't let the fear of public speaking get in the way of performing.
What did you do before becoming a Barista?
Well I still am Director of Sales for our company, but I have also done retail management for our stores.
Do you have any mentors in the coffee industry? and if so who and why?
Well my dad, John Neate and my grandfather John Neate Sr. and Aaron de Lazzer of the Coffee Missionary consulting. He has been around from day one and his passion for excellence (almost perfection) and his drive to consume coffee only at its best is both encouraging and should be a litmus test for the rest of the coffee industry.
What interests do you have outside of the coffee business?
I am a part time student pursuing a bachelor degree in political sciences. I love to cook and am the hospitality coordinator for our church. I also quite enjoy dating my husband Graham.
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