ABOUT US
COFFEE PROFESSIONALS
25+ years of coffee education
Barista Exchange and Bellissimo Coffee Advisors have helped entrepreneurs open specialty coffee shops for over 30 years.
Meet Your Instructors
Mykel
Barista and Coffee RoasterHailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Mykel Vernon-Sembach fell in love with coffee as a journalism undergrad at Northern Arizona University. With 11 years of coffee experience, Mykel works diligently to experience every step it takes to get specialty coffee from seed to cup. From customer service to production roasting to harvesting, learning every aspect of the coffee trade is important to creating transparency and equity among all workers while empowering coffee enthusiasts to further connect with their morning cup. When she’s not working, Mykel enjoys rock climbing, riding her bike and saying hello to dogs.
Dillon
Lead Barista Trainer, Espresso Technician, and Head of Quality AssuranceDillon’s passion for coffee started in his home state of Texas. Shortly after, he moved to Portland and has been immersed in the unique scene here ever since. He currently has his own coffee tech business in Texas and works with coffee shop owners to troubleshoot equipment problems, and make sure everyone coffee and products are all excellent. He is deeply passionate about sustainable growth in the coffee industry.
Entrepreneur and visionary with over two decades of executive leadership, building and bringing businesses to life in the CPG and specialty coffee industries. Consultant and mentor to authentic small business owners, specializing in storytelling, operational support, marketing strategy, and brand development. Innovator, regenerative futurist, growth champion and explorer.
Co-Founder Water Avenue Coffee and Bellissima Coffee Advisors and Vehicle Mushrooms. Founder of BaristaExchange.com, VirtualCoffee.com and CoffeeCultureTravel.com the premier networking, educational and experiential travel platform for the specialty coffee industry.”
BY THE NUMBERS
We’ve been at this for awhile
29
2152
1190
Behind these numbers is a team of passionate coffee professionals ready to answer your questions and get you making better coffee.
WE LOVE COFFEE
YOU LOVE COFFEE
Whether you’re a hobbyist or an entrepreneur, we’re here to help you make better coffee.
ABOUT
Barista Exchange & and our workshops are not a career school or vocational school as defined by the Oregon State Dept. of Education
WHAT WE COVER
CONTACT
For questions about the platform of professional inquiries