Veronika Galova Vesela
Slovakia
Collaborative Coffee Source
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a coffee lover for almost 8 years. After working in coffee shops, roastery, being independent in the coffee industry and running a barista school, I got the opportunity to enter the world of green coffee importing at Collaborative Coffee Source in Norway. It allows me even more opportunities to explore all the aromas and flavours that a cup of coffee has to offer, and I get to work with a wider range of people involved in the chain.
How did you get started in coffee?:
As a part time barista at Starbucks in 2010.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2014 Czech Coffee in Good Spirits Championship – 1st Place
2015 Slovak Barista Championship – 1st Place
2016 Slovak Brewers Championship – 1st Place
2016 World Brewers Cup, Dublin, Ireland – 11th Place, Round One
2017 Slovak Brewers Championship – 1st Place
2017 World Brewers Cup, Budapest, Hungary – 10th Place
2018 Slovak Brewers Championship – 1st Place
2015 Slovak Barista Championship, – 1st Place
2016 Slovak Brewers Championship – 1st Place
2017 Slovak Brewers Championship – 1st Place
2018 Slovak Brewers Championship – 1st Place
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
Visit my friends at coffee farms.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
I don’t remember first one but I will always remember my first origin trip to Panama.
What coffee-producing country most interests or excites you?:
Panama, because of the flavours in the cup and the people are excited about coffee—willing to experiment and get outside of the comfort zone to provide something new.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Travelling and nature.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
I would never believe where I am right now, especially 5 years ago. So wherever I will be, coffee will be a big part of my every day life.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
My coach Itchy, Stormy, the guys from The Underdog team, my amazing producer Jamison for taking this journey for the third year, all my sponsors for believing in me but mostly my family for being there for me.
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