I never thought my first job at 16 in High School as a barista at Nordstrom's E-Bar, would be the start of my career. My journey started in 1994, just after my 16th birthday. I fell in love with coffee, the smell, the taste, making beverages, and connecting with people. In 1997 after High School I flew the nest and moved up north and starting working at a little coffee shop called Southside Coffee Company in Lompoc, CA. In 2000 I moved back home and worked at Albertsons in Burbank, CA in the bakery. Until our store had a remodel and created a Starbucks inside our grocery store. I was promoted as Store Manager and that is when I heard all about Starbucks mission and values. I knew I wanted to be apart of a company that cared for our community by volunteering, also respect and dignity stood out too. In 2004 I applied for Starbucks Coffee Company and was hired as assistant store manager, and became a store manager within two years. I have become a store manager trainer, drive thru specialist and have helped with new/remodel store openings. Still to this day I am proud to wear that green apron.