Welcome to The Sprudge Twenty Interviews presented by Pacific Barista Series. For a complete list of 2022 Sprudge Twenty honorees please visit sprudge.com/twenty.
“Korie is creating spaces for coffee and connection, whether it’s through her budding comic Vibranibeans (@vibranibeans), as a founding member of The Color of Coffee Collective (@colorofcoffeecollective), or her coffee-centric Instagram @koffeepersonkp. She embodies vulnerability, advocacy, and power through everything she does.”
Nominated by Kat Melheim
Do you have a coffee-making ritual?
Yes! Coffee making is a form of self care for me. It kicks off my day and helps me with a self check-in on how I am doing. If my energy is low I opt for cold brew; it’s ready and quick for me. If my energy is feeling replenished I take my time with making a pour-over or anything espresso based drink with my Flair.
What is the quality you like best about coffee?
Its versatility and power to bring people together. It’s real life vibranium to me.
What’s the best song to brew coffee to at the moment?
Do you have a favorite item of clothing to make coffee in?
Crewneck or hoodie for sure.
What was the last cup of coffee you truly enjoyed?
A cup of Griefscapes by Kris Carlson.
What is your idea of coffee happiness?
Gatherings of sharing in our coffees or choice with laughter and good conversation at the center.
What issue in coffee do you care about most?
Accessibility and equity. As a Black Woman with mobility issues I see that there are still lots of barriers within the industry.
What cause or element in coffee drives you?
Origin stories. I love story telling and knowing where coffee truly comes from.
What issue in coffee do you think is critically overlooked?
Accessibility for ALL people no matter their race, gender, disability, experience, etc.
Did you experience a “god shot” or life-changing moment of coffee revelation early in your life?
Coffee was just always in my home. The smell of it has always appealed to me even before ever trying it.
If you could have any job in the coffee industry, what would it be and why?
Photo journalism. I want to tell the origin stories that get overlooked and untold. I want people to know where coffee truly comes from and how to honor and respect it from farm to cup.
Who are your coffee heroes?
Phyllis Johnson; she continues to push for change.
If you could drink coffee with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
My mom. I was only 14 when she passed, so we never got to experience the joy of sharing coffee and great conversation. I’d just love for her to see me now.
Do you have any coffee mentors?
Not really. I feel like I’m making a way in this industry that no one is doing, so a lot of times I just feel alone in making it up as I go.
What do you wish someone would’ve told you when you were first starting out in coffee?
That there is no ceiling. You can be in coffee no matter your background or vision. I wish I would have been told to not believe the lies.
Where do you see yourself in 2042?
CHILLIN. Drinking coffee and writing another bestseller to add to my growing list of books!
Thank you!
The Sprudge Twenty Interviews are presented by Pacific Barista Series. For a complete list of 2022 Sprudge Twenty honorees please visit sprudge.com/twenty.
