Growing up in Newcastle, Taylor Schneider entered the hospitality industry very young and has stuck to it ever since.
"I truly understood how the perfect blend of product, service, and atmosphere could create an immersive, emotionally charged experience. It wasn't just something I could feel, but I also see it happening for our customers," said Schneider.
When Schneider moved to the States and settled in Portland, Oregon, he crossed paths with Proud Mary Coffee Roasters, where he began and got tied to the coffee industry.
Fast forward seven years, and he is back in Newcastle, working with Bliss Coffee Roasters in the heart of the Hunter Valley, involved in every aspect of the business, from branding and managing the coffee bar to hands-on roasting, packing, and training.
"I love the hustle and bustle of it all. We get to create these incredible moments for people and work with awesome products. Working in venues is like my creative outlet, where you get to put so much into the end product."
Coffee is the thing that helps people get out of bed, get pumped and go out and crush their day, and Schneider enjoys being a part of putting people's day on a trajectory.
To explore coffee, Schenider would like to visit Brazil, the world's largest coffee-growing region, with a wide variety to offer, from scale to sustainability and all the other aspects that make up a coffee farm.
Schneider's favourite blend is Bliss Coffee Roasters' 'Visionary', which reminds him of a Milo Milkshake.
Bliss Coffee Roasters' core focus is fostering community engagement. They provide coffee and service-oriented experiences, including machine servicing, domestic and commercial training, wholesale and retail services, roasting, and a coffee bar. They aim to create a venue where people feel welcomed, educated, and empowered.
Recently, they also had the honour of being the primary coffee sponsor for the Aroma Festival, a significant Coffee and Chocolate event in the Hunter Valley.
In terms of the future, the roastery has curated a Roasting Experience. This fun learning opportunity allows you to discover the intricate journey from bean to cup in an accessible and enjoyable way. It is less about being a coffee expert and more about having a great time while gaining insights into the world of coffee.
