Behind every thoughtful blend, seasonal release, and beautifully balanced cup is someone who understands that coffee is more than a beverage, it’s an experience. At Red Bay Coffee, that person is Karla, our Head of Coffee. From refining recipes for our Hero Collection to thinking deeply about how a coffee tastes both fresh and forgotten on the counter hours later, Karla approaches coffee with a rare mix of technical skill, creativity, and care. Her work is rooted not only in flavor, but in feeling. How a cup can meet someone in the middle of a busy morning, become part of a daily ritual, or bring comfort in the smallest moments.
What part of your work are you most proud of right now?
Currently, the Hero Collection. It’s a seasonal lineup, so what we offer in Spring and Summer looks different from Fall and Winter. Creating and refining recipes that roasters and baristas can recreate. But that people actually enjoy and come back for is really gratifying.
What do you look for when you taste a coffee for the first time?
When I taste a coffee for the first time, it depends on the context. If I'm purchasing, I’m thinking about how our customers will experience it. I think we do a good job of highlighting the natural characteristics of each origin while still delivering something smooth and approachable. I’m always considering different types of coffee drinkers; the person who drinks it hot right away, and the one who forgets their cup and ends up drinking it cold later.
At home, I want something balanced, fruity, and sweet. Something I can enjoy without overthinking while I’m getting ready, taking care of the kids, packing lunches, walking the dog… all of it.
How do you translate your vision into something customers can taste?
My vision usually starts with identifying a feeling or experience; what people commonly perceive in a cup. From there, I look for coffees that naturally express those qualities, or I build blends that deliver that experience consistently.
What’s one thing people don’t realize about the coffee industry?
People don’t always realize just how expansive the coffee industry is—and how much work goes into every single cup. Every step in the value chain matters, and every person involved plays a role.
What does “great coffee” mean to you?
To me, great coffee means something that’s responsibly sourced and tastes really good.
What has your journey in coffee been like as a woman in the industry?
As a woman in coffee my journey has been interesting. Early on, it felt like there weren’t many of us, but looking back now, there are so many women quietly moving up and shaping the industry. Especially here in the Bay Area, there are incredible women roasters who’ve been doing this work for a long time. Not just roasters, buyers, trainers, traders making unconventional coffee careers.
Are there any women who have influenced or inspired you?
There are a lot of women who’ve inspired me, but my biggest inspiration is my mom. The courage it takes to immigrate with a child, and the audacity to want more has stayed with me. I’ve also had mentors along the way who showed me how much care and support can truly change someone’s path.
You are a mother of two. How has motherhood changed or influenced your work
I’ve learned how to be much more intentional with my time. My schedule is tighter, but it’s helped me focus on what really matters both at work and at home.
What advice would you give to women interested in this field?
My advice for women interested in the field of coffee is: there’s no one clear path. Everyone’s journey looks different. But speak up for yourself, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to express interest in what you want.