Retha van Rhijn, South Africa
Platō Coffee
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Hi I am Retha, and I love coffee, haha probably everyone's intro. So I work at Plato Coffee, which is a fairly young but fast growing franchise in South Africa. I help head up Quality Control and Training with my collegues to ensure that our values shine through each store.
This is my third cycle of competing in Cup Tasters and I just love how it pushes me to work at my skill and better myself.
I love people, nature, and music and am also a violinist.
Well like any student I needed some extra money and started working part time as a barista, but after doing my SCA Barista Skills Foundation Course I realised this is really something that I would like to do for much longer. So I finished my studies in Theatre and when the opportunity came, moved to training baristas.
What are you excited to do while you are in Geneva?
I have always wanted to see the Alps and Switzerland so this is really special. So I'll definitely want to spend as much time as I can in nature here, and do a hike or two.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
I love people, nature and music so anything that combines two or more of these is the absolute best. Be it multi-day hikes, concerts, or just some quality time with friends you will see me truly happy.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
My company and work family - Platō Coffee. Thanks for backing me from day one, making sure I had everything I needed to succeed, and just being lekker people that remind me to breathe as well. I am honoured to be a part of this team.
SCASA, our competition body - thank you so much for all the effort each year to ensure that competitions do happen and for backing the champs and ensuring we have the funds to go and represent our beautiful country and coffee community.
Barista Hustle - for providing us with the equipment we needed. You guys are amazing.
My family and friends - words will never be enough but I will not be able to this without you guys.
To Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour, without Him none of this would have been possible. May all the glory always go to Him.
