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Pouring coffee is an art. And Vanessa Martinez is an artist.
“I worked at a lot of coffee shops before but this is the first one where I can make latte art – and I love it.”
Originally from Chelan, Vanessa is a woman with a plan to help her fellow man.
Working at Mela while getting her associate’s degree at Wenatchee Valley Community College, she plans to attended law school and wants to specialize in migrant law.
Being the daughter of migrant workers herself, Vanessa said her ambition is to help those who can’t help themselves.
“Growing up being a minority I saw how hard it was for my parents and I wanted to grow up to help people,” she said. “The way I can repay them is by being educated.”
One thing in which she is thoroughly schooled in is the art of the pour.
On Oct. 25 Vanessa beat out five tough competitors in a the Caffè Mela Barista Jam 2010 at Mela’s east location at 159 Valley Mall Parkway in East Wenatchee, winning a cash prize, but more importantly – bragging rights.
“It was fun, something I’ve never been able to do in any of my other jobs,” she said.
For now she will continue to hone her skills at Caffè Mela, hit the books and prepare for her future.
