From barista to coffeehouse leader, one partner now helps others grow their careers
By Becca H., coffeehouse leader
I started my Starbucks journey as a green bean six years ago in June 2020. When I was a barista, I would see my store manager (coffeehouse leader) head to her team meetings with other leaders in our district. I was always curious about what was happening and would jokingly tell her that someday I would be in those meetings with her.
I was focused on developing, and when I became a shift supervisor, I prioritized creating the best environment for my team. Uplifting my team has always been front and center, getting to know them on a personal level and having fun. I wanted everyone in the store to feel like they belonged.
I always admired how my coffeehouse lead took the time to get to know each and everyone of her partners and connect with us in some way.
As I went into the coffeehouse leader role myself, I knew I wanted to make the partner experience great. It’s what made me want to be a leader in the first place.
Today, I try and create the same culture and focus for my team as she did along with a sense of belonging for my partners where they feel confident in their role. I have now been a coffeehouse leader for a little over two years in Corpus Christi, Texas. I had my first full circle moment last year by promoting one of my baristas to shift supervisor, and I couldn’t have been more excited to celebrate that milestone with them. I have since had the pleasure of celebrating my previous shift supervisor going into the assistant store manager role and my current assistant store manager moving into the coffeehouse leader role.
As I continue to work toward developing into a district manager one day, my district manager has challenged me to inspire beyond my store and into the district. This has shifted how I see my role. I’m not just leading my team; I’m looking for ways to support my peers around me as well. I still lead with the partner experience first, helping my team and peers grow, develop and see what’s possible.
*This story has been lightly edited for length and clarity.