Palmerston North's Sophie Wratten Young is the face of Coffee On Ascot as a barista there. At 21, she enjoys learning and understanding different perspectives, connecting with her mind, body and nature.
Having worked in hospitality since high school, her seven years of experience in the industry, with help from her chef brother, has allowed her to meet great minds that have inspired her career.
As someone who could never imagine working a desk job, Young feels lucky to have found her dream job at Coffee On Ascot, a small business in Manawatu with great values and a positive working environment. The coffee shop specialises in organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and paleo items and has compostable packaging for all their products.
Young appreciates each coffee she makes, but mostly, she loves getting a glimpse of her customers' daily lives and, more importantly, meeting their dogs.
"All the dogs come in and get so excited to see me! Who else is that excited to see me other than a dog that knows it's going to get a treat (we make homemade doggy treats at Coffee on Ascot)? That is slightly a joke," said Young.
She feels rewarded by putting a smile on people's faces by making them a cup of coffee and having a chat.
"It goes both ways when you feel lighter & relieved while walking out of a coffee shop. We do too."
Young believes that great coffee is almost always hot and has a silky, gorgeous foam, and her go-to is an oat caramel cappuccino with chocolate.
Even when she is not working, Young spends her time at the cafe, grabbing coffee, talking to people and meowing.
"Meow is my calling sign. If you've been into the coffee shop, you've heard me meow!"
When she is not at the cafe, she usually naps with her three cats, plays sudoku and puts together puzzles.
