A day in the Life: Kels, Training & Advocacy Manager at Moon Roast
Hey, I’m Kels – Training & Advocacy Manager here at Moon Roast, soon to be heading into my third year with the team. My role is all about connecting with people, sharing knowledge, and championing the world of specialty coffee – something I’ve been passionate about for more than a decade.
My journey into coffee
I first dipped my toes into the coffee world at 18, when I attended my first-ever barista course in Sydney, Australia. From that point on, I was hooked. Over the years, I’ve worked as a barista, trainer and supervisor before moving into roasting – a side of the industry I fell completely in love with.
Like many, my journey took a few twists during lockdown, when the roastery I was running had to close. But the coffee world is a small one, and a message from Dan, our Head Roaster, opened the door to Moon Roast. Without that moment, who knows where I’d be now – probably doing something in gardening! Instead, I get to spend my days talking about coffee, training baristas and representing a business I love.
A typical day on the road
No two days are the same in my role, but they usually start with a cup of tea (yes, tea first!) before my first coffee around 9am. I’m a creature of habit and drink around five coffees a day – usually our Lunar blend at home on my Sage machine, or a V60 with our latest Explore coffee when I’m in the roastery.
A big part of my day is spent on the road, driving three to four hours to visit wholesale partners. It’s a lot of time in the car, but I love the freedom it gives me – and nothing beats the buzz of walking into a coffee shop and connecting with the people behind the bar. Whether I’m running a training session, coaching baristas, or simply chatting all things coffee, I thrive on building those relationships.
Back at HQ, I keep close to the roastery, getting involved in weekly cuppings and team meetings. I like to think of myself as one of the “faces of Moon Roast” – the person who takes our ethos and expertise out into the wider world.
Training & advocacy
Training is hands down my favourite part of the job. I love passing on the knowledge I’ve gained over the past 12 years in the industry and making each session as fun as it is informative. Coffee is such a huge passion of mine that once you get me talking, you’ll need a couple of hours free!
Advocacy is a newer part of my role here, but it’s always been part of my career. Whether it’s championing inclusivity in the industry, speaking on panels at coffee festivals, or simply encouraging customers to think differently about what’s in their cup, advocacy is about more than coffee – it’s about people, values, and community.
Behind the scenes at Moon Roast
Working at Moon Roast is like joining a family. We’re a small team of around 10, and everyone plays a vital role. I often joke that I call Fran and Judy (our founders) “Mum and Dad” – because the support here feels that personal. Together, we each bring something unique to the table and that’s what makes our business so special.
One of the things I love most is that we’re always exploring – bringing in coffees from other roasters, experimenting with origins and trying wild fermentations. But no matter what I try, I always come back to our Lunar blend. It’s reliable, delicious and feels like home in a cup.
Looking ahead
Being part of Moon Roast means being part of something bigger – a community of coffee lovers, baristas and roasters who are as passionate as I am. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
For me, coffee has never just been about the drink in the cup – it’s about the people, the stories and the connections. And that’s exactly what my role at Moon Roast is all about.
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