I began my barista journey in April 2017 at Starbucks, though I wasn’t trained on the espresso machine for the first six months due to a management change. After two months, I was trained and selected to compete in the District Starbucks Barista Championships, where I placed second in April 2018. I was also promoted to Trainer and Shift Supervisor. After working at Starbucks from 2017-2020, I joined Sirinnci Coffee Company in 2022, where I still work today. In 2023, I competed in the Nola Coffee Festival Barista Pentathlon, placing second despite returning to barista work after a one-year break. In 2024, I taught a Latte Art Workshop at the festival, though I mostly learned latte art on my own, with one formal class. I believe latte art is important because it shows customers that you’ve put extra care and love into their drink, making them feel special.

NAME:
Michael Gallien,
2024 BARISTA WINNER

LOCATION:
Slidell, LA