Dulce Barrera
Guatemala
Bella Vista Coffee
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I was born in San Miguel Dueñas, Sacatepequez, Guatemala. I’m a mother and a wife. I love dogs. I have been working with coffee for the last 16 years and it has became my passion. I am currently working on a personal business plan, so I am continuously learning all I can about coffee.
How did you get started in coffee?:
I started working for Bella Vista Coffee 16 years ago, and this how I initially got involved with the grain. I started as a secretary and then I was involved in cupping by being nosy. Eventually, I got trained as Q-grader, and got my license, and now I work as the head of quality control at Bella Vista Coffee.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
I have competed in the Guatemala National Cup Tasters, every year, since 2016. I won 1st place in 2017 and 2018. I also competed for the World Cup Tasters in 2017 and got 21st place out of 42 competitors. I am very humbled about it and I look forward to improving.
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
Visit some farms, roasters and coffee shops.
What is your favorite coffee to cup?:
I would say, I really love washed classic Bourbons, and find them really romantic. When I get exotic, I really like Geishas, and Pacamaras.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I like to spend my spare time with my family, I love to cook, and I enjoy gardening.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
Cup Tasting in BV. Visiting more producers and countries. Being part of the Cup of Excellence as a judge. Teaching about coffee. Starting my own coffee shop.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
I really have to thank God and so many people, but especially, Luis Pedro Zelaya Jr. for his support during this 16 years of work at Bella Vista, and for believing in me for this competition.
—
