Koena Tjikana

I am Collen Tjikana, a dedicated barista with 9 years of experience in the specialty coffee industry. I spent seven years at Vida Caffe (2017–2024) perfecting my craft before joining Salute Coffee Co, where I continue to deliver consistent, high-quality espresso drinks and exceptional customer experiences with passion and precision.

Head Barista - Salute Coffee Co - Pretoria

(2025-01)

• Directed operations at a bustling Pretoria café, leading a proficient barista team with strategic oversight, streamlining inventory through meticulous stock ordering, and sourcing cost-effective suppliers to optimize operational efficiency
• Ensured team excellence by vigilantly supervising staff performance, fostering accountability and adherence to high standards.
• Strategically crafted schedules to ensure efficient staffing across all locations, balancing operational needs with team wellbeing.

Barista - Vida e Caffé

(2017-01 - 2024-12)

• Orchestrated operations with finesse, steering a dedicated team, optimizing inventory and elevating customer experiences.
• Leveraged extensive knowledge of Robusta, Arabica, Liberica, and Excelsa beans to select premium varietals, tailoring blends to enhance beverage profiles.
• Meticulously calibrated grinders to achieve optimal particle size and adjusted extraction parameters to deliver smooth, balanced espresso profiles without bitterness.

Metric Certificate (2016-12)