Natasha Shariff
Singapore
Bettr Barista Coffee Academy
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I am currently the Head of Coffee Quality for Bettr Barista. I’ve been in the food & beverage industry for over 14 years and in specialty coffee for about 5 years now.
How did you get started in coffee?:
I have always loved coffee. It was when I was living in San Francisco and Blue Bottle was really up and coming at the time. Those are some of my fondest coffee memories. About 5 years ago I was working for a local restaurant group and they sourced their coffee from a local roaster. That peaked my interest in the local specialty scene. A few phone calls later and a referral from a friend and I landed my first job in specialty coffee and I am still with the company today as Head of Coffee Quality.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2016 Singapore National Barista Competition – 6th Place
2017 Singapore National Coffee in Good Spirits – Winner
2017 Singapore National Brewers Cup Competitor
2018 Singapore National Coffee in Good Spirits Champion
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
I am really excited to finally make it to Brazil! Seeing a few coffee farms and embracing the culture and people.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
I have lived in some pretty amazing coffee cities: San Francisco, Chicago, Sydney and now Singapore. But my first experience with specialty was from Blue Bottle in San Francisco and that was definitely the deal breaker that this stuff was pretty amazing.
Besides your own competition drink, do you have a favorite cocktail?:
I do love the classics like a Negroni and Old Fashioned.
What coffee-producing country most interests or excites you?:
Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and of course Ethiopia.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Food, single malt whisky, gin, scent, books, travelling, and learning about different cultures.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
I hope to either own my own business or be part of something with someone.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
The team at Bettr Barista Coffee Academy, coaches, consultants, friends, and family that helped along the way. Every little thing counts.
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