We had the pleasure of catching up with Created Ambassador Frank La following the World Barista Championships in South Korea. Frank shared his reflections, biggest takeaways, and sources of inspiration from the event.

What were some of your biggest takeaways from the competition?

“I felt really proud to have represented the US at the world stage and really felt the immense respect our country has amongst our fellow world competitors. It gave me the sense that the US Specialty Coffee community is a revered one and I felt very honored to have represented our country in that sense. It was also such an amazing experience to be on that stage with some of the most talented but also humble coffee professionals around the world and that even though we were all there competing, I really felt this strong sense of community and camaraderie. And I love that coffee has the ability to do that."

What did you feel most inspired by while you were there?

"I felt most inspired by having my family there to watch me. I’m a Korean American and I still have my aunt and uncle in Korea. For them to see me on such a big stage doing something like this was such a magical moment for me and I know how proud they were of me. I was so inspired to have brought my family together in that way. I was also really inspired by all my fellow competitors. The level of excellence across the board was just so high and it was truly inspirational for me to be in that kind of atmosphere."

What is something during your competition?

"Coffee has this amazing power to bring people together. It is to be celebrated and revered but what makes it truly special is its ability to build community amongst fellow baristas but also producers and roasters and across the whole supply chain. It’s so beautiful and inspiring. Life truly happens around a drink."

Frank's Picks

Frank helped curate a selection of favorite Created Co. items that he trusts and uses in his own daily coffee routine. Check out his featured picks below.

We had the pleasure of catching up with Created Ambassador Frank La following the World Barista Championships in South Korea. Frank shared his reflections, biggest takeaways, and sources of inspiration from the event.

What were some of your biggest takeaways from the competition?

"I felt really proud to have represented the US at the world stage and really felt the immense respect our country has amongst our fellow world competitors. It gave me the sense that the US Specialty Coffee community is a revered one and I felt very honored to have represented our country in that sense. It was also such an amazing experience to be on that stage with some of the most talented but also humble coffee professionals around the world and that even though we were all there competing, I really felt this strong sense of community and camaraderie. And I love that coffee has the ability to do that."

What did you feel most inspired by while you were there?

"I felt most inspired by having my family there to watch me. I’m a Korean American and I still have my aunt and uncle in Korea. For them to see me on such a big stage doing something like this was such a magical moment for me and I know how proud they were of me. I was so inspired to have brought my family together in that way. I was also really inspired by all my fellow competitors. The level of excellence across the board was just so high and it was truly inspirational for me to be in that kind of atmosphere."

What is something you learned during your time visiting or the competition?

"Coffee has this amazing power to bring people together. It is to be celebrated and revered but what makes it truly special is its ability to build community amongst fellow baristas but also producers and roasters and across the whole supply chain. It’s so beautiful and inspiring. Life truly happens around a drink."

Thank you Frank for reminding us of the importance of connection and the shared passion that drives the specialty coffee industry.

Frank's Picks

Frank helped curate a selection of favorite Created Co. items that he trusts and uses in his own daily coffee routine. Check out his featured picks below.

Stay inspired and connected with the specialty coffee community. Follow Created Co. for more stories, insights, and updates from our ambassadors and the world of coffee.