Learn About the Baristas
ALISON GROOTVELD (Coffee Shop Owner/Nutty Barista)
Well, most of you around town know me as the Acupuncturist’s Wife. That is true, I am Doug’s wife. But, I am also the owner of La Bruja and executive barista.
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, I later moved to Portland, Oregon. There I graduated from The Art Institute and met my husband, Doug.
He practiced acupuncture, I worked as a waitress/bartender, and we flipped houses. Eventually, the housing market crashed, and we got tired of doing ALL that. So… we decided to go traveling. That is when Doug and I decided to come to Mexico.
The year was 2003. What began as a 6 month surf adventure, became our new lifestyle. And… eventually we moved here -to Barra.
Now, we mostly surf, SUP, and relax –Oh…. and sometimes work serving coffee at the shop, and treating people in the clinic.
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CHRISTY AMADOR
(Shop Manager/Bold and Robust Barista)
Having now worked with Christy for almost 10 seasons, I have gotten to know all sides of her: the charming, the sweet, the smart, the funny, and the very hard-working. AMAZING woman!
Talented in many ways, one of them being –is making a mean cappuccino. She can steam milk like no-one I know. This competitive nature of hers makes her the BEST at anything she does 😉
Besides her incredible cappuccino-making skills, she is a wonderful mother of two girls, Roxy and Aolani. –Whom are as funny and adorable as she is.
Being a mom of two girls, has made her a fantastic multi-tasker! –Able to deal with the boss-lady, work with her lovely co-workers, mix it up with the customers, make a mean drink, and stock the shop when needed. Hence, making her a superb shop manager!
–Thanks Christy-girl 😉 I couldn’t get everything done without you.
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KARLA LOPEZ
(Shop Organizer/Bitter-Sweet Barista)
One of the very familiar faces of our beautiful town here in Barra 😉 As many of you have seen her working odd jobs around town. For example… behind the counters of Dr. Linda’s Farmacia Rubio.
Well… understandably why the doc likes Karla, she is one of the utmost cleanliest, organized, and efficient helper there is! If she is not with a customer, making a drink, preparing food, she is ON IT –cleaning, organizing, and stocking. Without her around, I’d be at the shop longer hours. –Meaning less time for surfing, sleeping, and socializing.
Besides Christy, she is my go-to to get stuff done.
Not to mention, she too is a FABULOUS mother as well. Teaching her fun and vivacious girl, Victoria how to be a kind, generous, and a loving person. We need more people in the world like Miss Victora 🙂 You go girl Karla.
Thanks for being a part of our La Bruja Team!
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Photo by DanLacher