"1. I joined the Royal team in July of 2017. 2. I buy micro-lots and certified coffees from Colombia. 3. Sometimes coffees don’t arrive how you expect them to for a number of different reasons, and sometimes experimental processes aren’t as successful as you hope them to be. But then, sometimes there’s a watermelon co-ferment that makes you do a little happy dance at the cupping table when you cup the offer sample, and then when it finally arrives months later it wows your skeptical coworkers, as well as your customers. 4. Remember that your opinion is as valid as anyone else’s, even if they’re louder than you are. Stay open-minded and curious. Cup a lot of coffees, not just the good ones, so you have a diverse flavor library to reference. Learn how to use Excel; it’ll come in handy at some point, I promise."

" 1. 5 years at Royal Coffee! 2. I focus on buying from Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. 3. Our purchase of Peru APROCCURMA coffees last year paired with a trip to visit some of the women's parcelas was one of the most special experiences in my coffee career. Women came together to form the coop for more economic independence and have had great success doing so. Talk about being fearless and true girls' girls. 4. You'll probably never feel fully prepared for a new opportunity or project. Do it anyway and keep learning as you go. Stay curious. There is always something new to learn about agriculture, the market, sensory science, languages, cultures and everything in between. You'll need to keep up with all of it. Lastly, don't abandon your true identity. In any male-dominated industry it can be tempting to morph into what you think is more acceptable. Embrace your approach to business, interests and personal style. "

"1. 8 years! 2. I buy the majority of our Kenya position and focused on Ethiopia as well ; also assisting with Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi purchases. 3. Every buyer of Kenya and Ethiopia must know that we cup a minimum of 200 offer samples for every 10 lots that we purchase. We’re making purchasing decisions using a wide lens of intel and factors including quality, freshness, harvest timeline, relationship, uniqueness, variety, processing, price, supplier track record for shipping, and more. Each purchase is very intentional. 4. Set your sight on your goals, make them known, network and reach out to the people you look up to for advice."