Behind The Bar With Emily
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.
If you hear pop hits floating through the cafe speakers or spot a fun patterned headband bobbing behind the bar - chances are, Emily’s on shift! Regarded by her coworkers as steady, thoughtful, and quietly hilarious, Emily is the kind of teammate who anchors a busy, bustling morning with calm confidence. She’s not usually one for the spotlight, but around Tala, her presence is unmistakable! Whether she’s dialing in espresso or debating the superior Taylor Swift era (Midnights, obviously), Emily’s presence instantly makes our Libertyville cafe feel warmer and more fun. I got the chance to sit down with Emily to hear more of her story. I know you’ll love it!
Q: What is your position or role at Tala?
I am an Assistant Manager at our Libertyville cafe and Joanna’s (one of our owners!) assistant.
Q: How long have you been at Tala? Tell me about your start at Tala, what brought you here?
I’ve been here since February of 2024. I found out about Tala through someone and discovered the Libertyville location was hiring. At that time, I had been between jobs and most recently worked in retail. At my first interview, I was nervous but loved the vibes of Tala! I had worked at Starbucks in the past and thought it would be fun to work in coffee again.
Q: What is your favorite part about working at Tala?
I really like the environment. Our owners do a great job of creating a healthy work environment. Their intentionality in the workplace really shows. Also, our customers are so sweet! I haven’t always experienced that in past jobs and I love the people we serve here. An added bonus is getting to try our rotating coffees and learning more about where they are from.
Q: What’s your favorite quality about yourself?
I really like the part of my personality that bends towards “nerdy” things. Think video games and Pokémon! This is just a smidge of my personality, but one that I really enjoy!
Q: What’s something you’re really bad at?
I have the ADHD habit where I pick up hobbies and drop them quickly. So I don’t always stick with something long enough to be “bad” at it. But, as a blanket statement, I am severely bad at all sports.
Q: What is your favorite drink to make?
Probably a Gibraltar! It’s fun to be creative with latte art on this drink. It’s also a good challenge to make sure my steaming is on point, as the foam levels are on display in the clear glass!
Q: And to consume?
Definitely, an iced decaf mocha with vanilla (Emily’s coworkers corroborate this!).
Q: What is your favorite memory at Tala?
Probably, the Libertyville staff meeting where we played Tala Jeopardy! Everyone was so into the game and it was such a blast! My team won, which was the cherry on top. An honorable mention is last year’s all-staff holiday party! The cafe was decked out and it was fun to get dressed up and watch people receive superlatives.
Q: What do you do when you’re not at work?
Honestly, probably sleeping. But when I’m not doing that, I love playing cozy video games. Maybe chatting with long-distance friends, going for walks, or cooking dinner with my mom.
Q: Any other hobbies?
Listening to music - quite literally from the moment I wake up! I am a self-proclaimed “pop girly” and love Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. I enjoy walking around my neighborhood. I also like to craft. Recently, I’ve been into making “book nooks”, which are like mini dioramas that go between books on a bookshelf!
Q: What do you wish you did more of?
Trying new things! I also wish I could travel more - I’d especially love to go back to Kenya to see my sister. Something I’d love to get back into is baking. I used to love making cupcakes, cookies, and just experimenting in the kitchen in general!
Q: Share a fun fact about yourself!
I am caffeine-free! Which always comes as a shock to people, as I’m working in the coffee industry.
Q: What is one topic that will always get you talking when you’re on bar?
Probably Taylor Swift! I love chatting with fellow Swifties about Taylor’s music. Any discussion about cats or nails will definitely get me talking as well.
Q: What is your favorite movie and why?
I would consider myself a big Disney movie fan. Some favorites are: Encanto, Coco, and Beauty and the Beast. I also love the Dark Knight.
Q: How would you describe your style?
Probably boring… just very plain! I usually just wear graphic tees. I am always searching for funky and cute new tees on Etsy. Usually accompanied with a hat or headband. Obviously nails are a necessity for me. I love having fun and cool nails. I get a lot of nail inspiration from Pinterest, and love channeling seasonal colors or holiday patterns into my nail design.
Q: What song do you always have on the queue at Tala?
Bloom - Paper Kites
Sweet Creature - Harry Styles
For Crying Out Loud - Finneas
Q: What are you most excited about for the future?
To be quite honest, I am pretty chill about the future. I don’t think much about what things will be like, I really enjoy being in the present. A loose dream for me would be moving to the West Coast! I have friends out there and would love to do that if I had the opportunity.
Q: Tell me about something you’re really proud of!
I am really proud of where my mental health is at and all the work I’ve put into growing and changing.
Q: Do you have a favorite customer memory?
I remember the moment I first connected with a customer, my first ‘regular’. It was during my early days at Tala, we bonded over nails! I loved how special it was to make that connection. Overall, I really love laughing with customers and catching up with them regularly.
Q: What is one thing you wish you were an expert at?
I wish I was an expert at learning languages! I used to take french and loved it! I’d love to know more languages and actively speak them.
Q: Do you have a secret or obscure talent?
I juggle! My sister taught me. I can do cool tricks with it, too!
Q: What’s something you’re grateful for?
I am really grateful for my cat, Stella - she’s my companion! Also, for my family. They love and support me in everything I do.
Q: What’s something that brings you joy?
Cuddles with Stella!
Q: Who’s an influential person/role model in your life?
I have two: my sister and my mom. My mom is so selfless and her ability to put others first is inspiring to me. My sister is resilient, positive, and fun! I love them both and they have shaped my life so much.
Q: Where is somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit?
I’ve always wanted to go to Austria and Switzerland. The landscapes and nature look so beautiful. The architecture is stunning! I’d love to explore there.
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop to visit (besides Tala!)? Are you a regular anywhere?
I’m not a regular anywhere per se, but I occasionally visit the Crystal Lake location of Conscious Cup with my mom.
Marissa Cummings
On staff at our Libertyville café, Marissa loves befriending customers and making the perfect cup of coffee. When not behind the bar, she is usually exploring new coffee shops, curled up with a good mystery book and a warm miel in hand.