Behind The Bar With Bri
Our “Behind The Bar'“ series highlights one of our team members, celebrating their unique contribution to the Tala experience. We believe the connection across the bar can be meaningful and impactful. Our team puts a smile on the faces of so many each day by simply serving delicious beverages and being an authentic presence in each person’s day. Learn more about what makes each person on the Tala Team unique with this personal interview.
How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
I would describe myself as someone who is bubbly and likes to laugh through life. I also love to have fun hobbies.
What is your position or role at Tala?
I am one of the co-managers at Highwood and a shift supervisor/barista.
How long have you been at Tala?
Two years—omg…!
What is your favorite part about working at Tala?
I love the community between my customers and my coworkers, and I also really enjoy the art behind making a good latte.
What is your favorite memory at Tala?
I think the latte art throw down at Highwood is my favorite memory because I felt intimidated at first going up against seasoned baristas, but I ended up having a blast, and I got farther in the competition than I expected!
Favorite customer memory?
I was sitting at a table studying something off shift, and one of my favorite customers came up to me with a pastry he bought specifically for me! That was really sweet and I never expected anything like that to happen.
What is your favorite drink to make and favorite to consume?
To make: probably a hot latte or cappuccino because I enjoy making latte art, specifically a 12 oz (a good canvas)
To drink: 12 oz iced bone breaker with oat
How would you describe your style, and what can we catch you wearing behind the bar?
I have two different styles, I’d say; out and about, I tend to dress more country, like bell bottom jeans, flowery shirts, etc., but behind the bar, I’m usually wearing baggier, dad jeans and a lot of black!
What is one topic that will always get you talking when you’re on bar?
Movies and line dancing
What artist or genre of music are you playing when you're the barista?
Probably divorced dad rock (80s/90s)
Who is your favorite musician?
The Eagles
What do you do when you’re not at Tala?/What are your hobbies?
I love to rock climb and line dance
What’s a goal you are working toward right now, big or small?
To be physically prepared for my backpacking trip in August. I’m going to Colorado, a little outside Denver.
What is one thing you wish you were an expert at?
Professional dancing, like partner dancing. (Think Dancing With the Stars type of dancing). Also it’s random, but I would love to be really good at shooting a bow and arrow.
Do you have a secret or obscure talent?
I can read braille
If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you move to and why?
I would maybe live in Edinburg, Scotland or maybe somewhere in Africa (I used to live in Kenya when I was 4-7 years old, and I really loved it)
What is something you’re proud of but never get to brag about?
I took musical theater classes at a company in IL, then moved to Florida and took a couple classes at Arthur Murray, and they offered me an internship to eventually become a full-on dance instructor! I didn’t take the position because I was 19 and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but I was still offered it!
What’s the best thing you’ve made food wise?
I don’t know if it’s the best thing, but one of my favorite things to make is chicken pot pie.
What modern thing would freak out a Victorian child?
Paying at a register with your Apple Watch
If you could clear a whole category on Jeopardy!, what would it be?
Biblical References, for sure
Inspired by bread and wine being the body and blood of Jesus, what would be your body and blood?
Blood: a black coffee with oat milk
Body: brownie with chocolate chips in it
Maya Johnson
Meet Maya, a Wisconsin native who studied biochemistry/molecular biology and neuroscience at Lake Forest College. She is a friendly face behind the bar at Highwood, known for striking up conversations about truly anything. Outside of pulling espresso shots, Maya is currently in the process of applying to Physician Assistant schools.