Project Description

Romania
Katy Szasz
Independent

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Katy, I discovered specialty coffee in late 2013, when I instantly fell in love with it and I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I have competed in many competitions, national and international. Now I’m a barista trainer in a chain of restaurants, that love specialty coffee just as I do. I also roast coffee for them.  I have also judged national Barista, Brewers, Cezve/Ibrik Championships, and the latest Cezve/Ibrik Championship.  Can’t wait to see what happens next!

How did you get started in coffee?

I started 5 years ago. A poorly made cappuccino was the thing that lead me to barista school, where I learned a lot of new and interesting things about coffee—things that I have never had clue about. Then I decided to compete in order to get better, faster!

Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:

National Latte Art Championship 2013 – 6th Place

National Cezve Ibrik Champion 2014, 2015,2016

National Cup Tasting Championship 2014 – 2nd Place

National Cup Tasting Championship 2015 – 3rd Place

Cezve/Ibrik Championship Rimini 2014 – 5th Place

Cezve/Ibrik Championship Athens 2015 – 2nd Place

Cezve/Ibrik Championship Dubai 2016 – 4th Place

What roaster do you currently roast on?

Giesen 6kg, hb 600 sample roaster

How did you learn how to roast coffee?

From Alex Niculae, 2016 World Coffee Roasting Champion.

What are your interests outside of coffee?

I like to travel, read books, and do all sorts of sports. I really like winter sports.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

This question I struggle with, thinking of the future and where I see myself is hard. Five years can easily go by fast, but on paper it was a challenge. Talking about the present is much easier to elaborate on. You never really know the outcome. Setting new goals in place to become more successful. Where I see myself in five to ten years I don’t really know.  I also see myself teaching other people the art of coffee.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognise, or who helped you to prepare for the WCRC?

To my trainer, Alex Niculae.

What are you excited to do while you are in Guangzhou?

I would like to visit the city and try the local food. Heard it’s really good and also very different.

Facebook: katy.beatrice.1

Instagram: katy_beatrice