Welcome to The Sprudge Twenty Interviews presented by Pacific Barista Series. For a complete list of 2021 Sprudge Twenty honorees please visit sprudge.com/twenty.
For our second Sprudge Twenty interview in 2021, the featured class member is Melissa Stinson, the founder and owner-operator of Everybody’s Busy in Chicago. Stinson’s work was featured in a previous profile on Sprudge, and her brand’s unique approach to design was the subject of a recent story in our Design series. Here’s Melissa Stinson’s nominating essay:
I ended up in coffee organically. Through ten years of working in the TV and film industry, I learned that coffee connects people. While working as a customer, I’d often treat my team and the cast to coffee… not many turned down my offering. I also noticed that coffee folk need their coffee… it’s non-negotiable. I’m just trying to provide good coffee and great music, people need options and experience!
Nominated by Melissa Stinson
Hey Melissa! Thanks for speaking with us. For starters, how have the challenges of this last year informed your work?
Coffee was one of the things that brought people out and together and I was able to be a conduit.
What issue in coffee do you care about most?
Quality. That covers a lot.
What cause or element in coffee drives you?
Community.
What issue in coffee do you think is critically overlooked?
Fairness, quality, and using great water.
What is the quality you like best about coffee?
That I can control my own cup.
Did you experience a “god shot” or life-changing moment of coffee revelation early in your career?
I realized I was not alone in the search for better coffee.
What is your idea of coffee happiness?
I’m living it.
If you could have any job in the coffee industry, what would it be and why?
Designer. Product tester. Coffee liaison. I love and cherish invention.
Who are your coffee heroes?
My grandmothers.
If you could drink coffee with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Bjork and Marvin Gaye. True music masters. Conversation would be at a minimum.
Do you have any coffee mentors?
Everyone.
What do you wish someone would’ve told you when you were first starting out in coffee?
How to count better.
Best song to brew coffee to at the moment.
“Please Listen To My Demo” – EPMD
Where do you see yourself in 2041?
Hopefully leaving some kind of legacy.
What was the last cup of coffee you really enjoyed?
My coffee collaboration with Onyx Coffee Lab: “Everybody’s Busy.”
Thank you!
Welcome to The Sprudge Twenty Interviews presented by Pacific Barista Series. For a complete list of 2021 Sprudge Twenty honorees please visit sprudge.com/twenty and check back for more interviews right here on Sprudge.
