TESTIMONIALS
Each Glitter Cat has a special, glittery place in our hearts. Below are some of their stories.
Also, take a peek at five short videos from half of the 2020 Glitter Cat Baristas. All videos have transcribed text.
JR Harris
GC Roaster 2020
Glitter Cat came along at a key fork in my road and proved to myself that I'm valid and I'm capable and I have things to offer coffee and the community at large. I hope that come competition time and in the future after, there's another black non-cis person out there that can see me and say if they can do it, hell I can do it too because you CAN do it too. To quote Frank N Furter, "Don't dream it... be it." But be it with glitter.
photo credit Haley Aurora
Meghan-Annette Reida
GC CIGS 2020
I went into Glitter Cat bootcamp feeling like an imposter; that I had no business participating in any coffee competition, especially not one as multi-faceted as Coffee in Good Spirits. I not only feel like I deserve to compete, but I have been empowered to advocate for my needs to succeed.
photo credit Hawkeye Johnson
Sasha Wheeler
GC Brewer 2020
The day before I left for the bootcamp was a difficult and emotional day. I was worried about my ability to get myself together and make it there, but I got up early that morning and made it there smoothly. I'm so glad that I did because it was one of the best experiences of my life. Having such amazing instructors, volunteers, and other glitter cats care about and support one another in the way that we did was so surreal.
photo credit Hey Tay Photo
Cydni Patterson
GC Barista 2020
There was not one point where I felt the need to perform niceness for my own well being. I enjoyed how information was shared freely. It was wonderful how a group of different people didn’t need to shed our differences to make genuine connections with each other.
photo credit The Pour Co
Kris Carlson
GC Roaster 2020
Last year I applied to be a Glitter Cat and was not accepted, but I believe there to be an impeccable timing in being selected this year and specifically to be chosen as a roaster. Persistence in my pursuit despite discouragement has not only professionally but personally developed me. However, I am also humbly aware of the grace that has been given to me from others to have this opportunity in the first place. I am overwhelmingly thankful for the Glitter Cat experience and I hope to someday be able to give back and help others in a similar way I have been gifted.
photo credit Haley Aurora
Cyrenthia Ngueya
GC CIGS 2020
I feel like I am a part of the most knowledgeable, supportive, glitter-filled family. I am beyond thankful for this experience.
photo credit Hawkeye Johnson
Nicole Henderson
GC Barista 2020
I was feeling a bit burnt out when I came to the bootcamp- it had been a tough month at work and I wasn't sure what to expect from the experience. From the moment I arrived, there was this immediate shift in my perspective in knowing this was going to be a life-changing experience. As the days went on, I became more and more comfortable and was so excited to rediscover my passion for coffee by really focusing on the training and bonding with other attendees.
photo credit The Pour Co
Dre Morales
GC Brewer 2020
It was something that I’ll never forget, to know there’s a lot of people that are willing to support your hopes and dreams is a truly amazing feeling and makes me feel comfortable to know I’m meant to be in this industry. I hope to make Glitter Cat proud and keep representing the family that I joined that weekend. At the end of the day I’m just happy I was a part of Glitter Cat and it exceeded my expectations beyond anything I can ever imagine. Whatever happens in competition I hope to make all the glitter family proud ❤️.
photo credit Hey Tay Photo
Eli Cecil
GC Barista 2020
Personally, this bootcamp was the final push I needed to prioritize myself and my happiness and make a move to get back into a coffee career. I feel like I have a community where I belong for the first time in my life, and I'm confident I can go into the competition knowing I have a group of great people behind me!
photo credit The Pour Co
Alexandra McClean Egan
GC Roaster 2020
Of the 10 roasters that went through this roasters boot camp not one of us made it through to nationals. As disheartening as this is, I think that it might have taken this exact moment to shine the brightest light on the implicit biases that we face in the roasting community. And I am dedicated to fighting back, improving our situation, and leaving something better behind for future coffee professionals. The Glitter Cat program is a huge step in the right direction. I am looking forward to seeing how we and others change the tide. And the new faces we can bring in to not only the competition scene but the greater coffee community at large.
photo credit Haley Aurora