Meet LANISA WILLIAMS: Coffee Educator & Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with LANISA WILLIAMS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LANISA, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was to create a space where everyone is welcome to learn and enjoy coffee. In 2019, after being denied information and passed over for not one but two promotions. (which I was told I was getting). I had to take a step back and reevaluate what I wanted out of life. No one should be denied information or the opportunity to grow. Here at Barista Life LA, our goal is to create a safe space for people of all COLOR, gender, and backgrounds in hope to educate, restore and uplift them in the coffee community.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The drive the passion and the Hustle I have sets me apart from others. I know what it feels like to be denied information or looked down on or not even being acknowledged. We all have something to cornubite to this industry and I wanted to create a platform where the forgotten can be heard and seen.

This road hasn’t been easy at all. I have came across a few ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change this experiences for nothing. i have learned when on e door closes there’s another one that will open. I also learned not to make quick decision, take time to think about your next move and what’s best for you.

I want the world to know that Barista Life La is for all no matter what background you come from , we don’t turn down No One.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My itinerary : Monday I would drop into Good People Coffee for their amazing drip coffee and breakfast options/ Then since we so close to the beach lets slide over to 3rd street promenade and check out the food selection and bars Tuesday: We would head to Nimbus Coffee shop near downtown. This shop is magical, its based on the famous Harry Potter series. I would then head over to Boketto Cold Brew off Broadway and try out some of their different tea options..
Wednesday: We are pulling up to South La Café and getting some of avocado toast and ne of their South La frizzes. we would then go to Lemert Park and stop in at Hot and Cool Café. sampling some of their vegan options along with taken pictures of some of the most beautiful art I’ve seen. Right across the street is Harun’s Coffee. hope right over and see some dope culture influences art. They too serve up some great vegan food.
Thursday: Lets pull up to Sip & Sonder over in Inglewood. They have one of the best honey lavender lattes that I’ve had.
Friday: Lets head into Long Beach and check out Black Ring Coffee, Lord Windsor, Recreational Coffee as well as Commodity. all these shops plus a few more roast their beans in house. if you have never seen it happen or just witness the aroma from fresh beans being roasted you don’t know coffee.
Saturday: we are going to Universal studios. on the way there we will stop at Cafe Ruisseau and enjoy the ambience and of course there amazing expresso.
Sunday we resting and Im making coffee at the house

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my business partner Alvinya Keys and my business manager Damaris Gandy for all your hard work and what you bring to the table and for taken a chance on me. I would also like to give a shoutout to the coffee community for stepping up and making changes in this industry.

Email: baristalifela@gmail.com

Instagram: @baristalifela @hustlerscup

Facebook: baristalifela@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photos By: Angel Taylor