Barista Spotlight: Lily

Let’s get to know one of our new baristas, Lily, in the latest edition of our barista spotlight blog series!

How long have you worked at BonLife? A little over two months!

Why did you want to work here? BonLife has been my spot since I moved to Cleveland! It’s honestly the best coffee in the area and the best atmosphere, so working here just made sense. 

What’s your favorite part of being a barista? Ihave always found it beautiful how coffee connects people universally. Across cultures and generations, people love to sit and talk over a cup of coffee. There are very few things that can be called a timeless means of connection, and being a barista means I get to be a witness to this one every time I work. 

What is your go-to coffee drink? My go-to drink is literally anything with a little maple in it. 

What is something you have learned from working at in the specialty coffee industry? As small as it seems, working in coffee has really challenged me to ask and remember peoples names! It’s so simple but knowing the name of someone you don’t interact with outside of handing them their drink can make a person feel so seen and valued, and it’s applicable in literally every environment outside of work. 

What’s your favorite hobby outside of work? I’m a huge craft girl and love the outdoors. Catch me somewhere between Hobby Lobby and a hike. 

Any other fun facts about you? I’m a theology student at Lee with minors in Art and Business, so I keep myself pretty busy with school and extracurriculars. I do cut hair though! I went to a vocational high school and graduated with my cosmetology license, so I’m frequently found cutting someone’s hair in their bathroom for a little extra cash. 

Next time you’re at BonLife, say hey to Lily & give her a warm welcome to our barista team: we’re so glad she’s joined our award-winning coffee roaster staff!