Welcome to The Sprudge Twenty Interviews presented by Pacific Barista Series. For a complete list of 2025 Sprudge Twenty honorees, please visit sprudge.com/twenty.
Nicole is a long time coffee industry veteran who has worked in all areas of specialty coffee. She has been an incredibly dedicated and passionate contributor to the industry, first working in big brand retail coffee, then to small specialty shops, managing specialty shops, and now working at Cafe Imports in Sales. I have met and worked with few others as unwavering in their commitment to quality and professionalism in every coffee role they’ve had in their career.
Nominated by Kyle McAdams
How many years total have you worked in the coffee industry?
15 years.
What was your first coffee job?
Back in 2010, I took on my first coffee role as barista at my local specialty shop.
Did you experience a life-changing moment of coffee revelation early in your career?
There were many moments that have stayed with me from that first year—the first time I walked into warm welcoming curated space, the first time I had exceptional hospitality, the first time I had a single origin on pour-over that changed it all—but the most impactful moment was learning about coffees journey from seed to cup. I felt (and still feel) a real responsibility to treat coffee with care so I can honor the people that have worked so hard before me.
Is there a person or persons who served as your mentor early in your coffee career? How did they impact you?
Tim Cox hired me onto that first barista job, and we worked alongside one another a handful more times throughout my career. I have always been inspired by his commitment to others, and his commitment to quality.
What is your current role in coffee?
I’m currently a Sales Representative at Cafe Imports.
What facet of the coffee industry has changed the most during your career?
Coffee is so alive; it is always changing. It’s hard to really pin down any one facet, but I think our role as stewards must be what evolves and grows the most as a community in the face of climate, political, and socioeconomic challenges across the globe to care for one another along the chain.
What still surprises you today about coffee, or gives you joy?
I love education and training! There is always more to learn, and I love to help people reach their “aha” moment and help them feel empowered. There are also endless opportunities to flex my creative muscles in the coffee world, and I welcome just about all of it! It’s always exciting.
What’s something about the coffee industry you’d most like to see change?
I think there’s always room for us to improve accessibility and tighten community.
What is your most cherished coffee memory?
Meeting the women of ASMUCAFE my first year with Cafe Imports.
Do you make coffee at home? If so, tell us how you brew!
Me + my lime green Origami Dripper = 4ever.
What is your favorite song/music to brew coffee to?
Throw some Jessica Pratt on, please and thank you.
What is your idea of coffee happiness?
Being present with people I love in a beautiful space and something special in hand. Can’t beat that.
If you could drink coffee with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could, I would love to share a coffee and pastry with my Nana again, catch her up on all the hot gossip.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone getting their start in the coffee industry today?
If you feel like it’s calling you, don’t give up. Sometimes it’s not easy, sometimes you have to throw your elbows out and create your own space, but don’t give up.
The Sprudge Twenty feature series is proudly presented by Pacific Barista Series.
