T is the Company Administrator at Blueprint Coffee and has been a member of our team for the past three years. They bring a wealth of knowledge, passion for the industry, and a strong commitment to upholding Blueprint’s core values. T joined the Blueprint team back in 2019 and works hard to balance between data-entry on the back end and challenges that require problem-solving skills. They are excited to continue to grow with the company and watch their role develop into a more holistic administrative position.
WHAT PROMPTED YOUR INTEREST IN COFFEE?
In 2019, I was working three part-time jobs, two of which were nannying gigs. I was burnt out from puzzle piecing my income together. Everything changed when one of the families I worked for mentioned a Production Assistant position opening up at Blueprint Coffee. I was stressed, and Blueprint presented an opportunity for me to gain some stability. Before Blueprint, my only coffee experience consisted of going to Starbucks for a writer's group! I accepted the position, slowly transitioned away from my other jobs, and have been here ever since! I have enjoyed my coffee journey thus far, and greatly appreciate learning the ins- and- outs of production, roasting, and finding my footing within the company.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS YOU HAVE LEARNED THROUGH YOUR CAREER & YOUR ROLE AT THE CAFÉ?
I currently work as the Company Administrator. It is a relatively new position filled with a variety of tasks that have been around since the beginning. The most satisfying part for me is that it is much more effective when taken as a whole. My favorite part has been gaining a wide breadth of business knowledge. I gain regular insight into what running a cafe and roastery looks like and its nuances. I enjoy the balance between data-entry tasks and problem-solving challenges. I appreciate that my skills and abilities are essential in a company where I have invested time and effort. It is exciting that this position continues to expand into a more holistic administrative role, where I can work towards developing employee resources and help to carry out Blueprint’s values.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO COFFEE ORDER AT BLUEPRINT?
I really love my own creation, a drink I call the "M-oat-cha". It's a delicious mix of hot Mocha and Oat Milk, and an absolute fave!
IF YOU COULD ENJOY A CUP OF COFFEE WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE?
Difficult question.. my gut answer is Ursula Le Guin. However, my second answer is Dame Maggie Smith.
WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS OUTSIDE OF COFFEE?
I love reading, writing, and on occasion, drawing. I also collect rocks and love to hike. I enjoy spending time with loved ones, whether it's via Zoom or going on walks through Tower Grove Park. One of my greatest passions is hanging out with my cat, Leonardo DiCatrio. I also still enjoy hanging out with other people's pets and kids!
ANY FUN FACTS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I served in the military for six years and worked as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. I have also been to 48 out of 50 US States and I will add the 49th to my list in October. I would also like to share that I've been in therapy for five years and strongly recommend it to everyone I meet!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE BLUEPRINT FANS?
I had the pleasure of delivering orders to local doorsteps over the past two years, and I want you to know that you are some of the nicest people. I'm fortunate that I was able to interact with each of you. (Sometimes I still get to from time to time!) The world is a better place with you in it. Thanks for taking the time to learn about me!
HOPES, DREAMS, DESIRES FOR THE FUTURE?
One of my goals for the year is to finish the first draft of my first novel. I'm over halfway through! I hope that I continue to grow more into myself and realize my worth. Ultimately, I dream of a better, kinder future.
