31/07/2025
Introducing Grounded Staff Diaries ✍🏼
Part 4: Zolane Mekile
My name is Zolane Mekile.
I am thrilled to share my journey with you.
Today im standing here not just as a barista, but as someone who has been shaped and inspired by my journey. I am proud to say I am an award winning baristar, although the story behind gaining that title means more to me than the title.
It all starts with my store Grounded, this place is my second home. It is more than bricks and a coffee machine. It's where I found my purpose, the first time that I put on my apron, I knew this wasn't going to be "just a job". The energy, the aroma, the people - I felt it in my heart that my store will become the place where my passion meets my precision, where the community gathers and where I discovered who really I am.
Behind the bar, behind the coffee machine, that's where the magic happens. Its not always glamorous, there are early mornings, long shifts and pressure to be perfect behind every espresso shot I pull. The focus behind every cup of coffee I serve to my customers, there's a story and moments shared with a long lasting connection to my customers.
Being a barista has taught me everything, from the perfect espresso, patience, discipline, consistency and how to handle stress and still smile after. That is how I give a piece of myself in every cup of coffee.
Winning an award was never a goal of mine, it was the result of love, repetition and never giving up, but this award is not mine alone. It also belongs to my team who believed in me, it belongs to my store which gave me a platform and most of all it belongs to every single customer who always said, "This is the best coffee I've ever had!".
Thank you so much for giving me the time to share my story and my journey with you as Grounded's barista.
