A Conversation with Mariem José: AeroPress and Chile's Coffee Potential

In the world of coffee, where technique meets intuition, every brew tells a story. For Mariem José, a professional barista, instructor at Elixir Brewlab, and passionate competitor, coffee is more than a craft—it’s a lifelong journey. 

Originally from Venezuela and now shaping the specialty coffee scene in Chile, she has embraced the industry with dedication and curiosity, much like the steady growth of a deeply rooted tree.

Mariem Jose | photo by Mariem doc.

From childhood traditions to high-pressure competitions, Mariem shares her insights on brewing, teaching, and the experiences that have shaped her approach to coffee. 

HUDES | Worldwide Digital Magazine for Manual Coffee Brewers

Growing up in Venezuela, coffee was always present in Mariem José’s life. In her country, preparing coffee is a daily ritual.They often use a sock or cloth filter, a simple but effective method that brings people together.

Though tradition played a role in her early exposure, curiosity led her further. Seven years ago, she took her first coffee class, which opened her eyes to the complexities of specialty coffee. 

What started as an interest quickly became a passion, driving her to refine her skills and deepen her understanding of the craft.

Becoming an SCA-certified barista was a demanding process. “One of the biggest challenges was developing my sensory skills and learning to describe flavors with precision,” Mariem recalls. 

From espresso calibration to cupping, every step required discipline and technical accuracy. Yet, the effort paid off, strengthening her foundation in specialty coffee and shaping her approach as both a barista and an educator.

Competing on the AeroPress Stage

Moving to Chile marked a turning point in Mariem’s career. Coffee became her way to connect with new people and understand the industry from different perspectives. 

Chile’s growing specialty coffee scene inspired her to compete, leading her to the AeroPress Championship champion. “Competing was both nerve-wracking and exciting,” Mariem says. 

With AeroPress - photo by Mariem doc.

With over a hundred people watching, you have just seven minutes to grind, control temperature, perfect your pours, and execute your recipe. Despite the pressure, the experience reinforced her love for coffee, proving that competition is not just about winning—it’s about growth.

As an instructor at Elixir Brewlab, Mariem finds joy in teaching. Beyond technique, she emphasize curiosity and intuition. Her approach combines theory with extensive hands-on practice, helping new baristas build confidence in their craft.

“I always encourage my students to make mistakes without fear,” Mariem adds. Coffee is a balance of science and art, and improvement comes with time and patience.

A Philosophy Rooted in Psalm 1:3

Mariem finds inspiration in the verse: He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season...

“To me, this verse represents consistency and purpose,” she explains. Just as a tree needs strong roots and nourishment to grow, we need dedication and patience in our craft. Growth doesn’t happen overnight.

Looking ahead, Mariem sees great potential for coffee in Latin America. “Chile’s specialty coffee culture is expanding, and people are becoming more aware of traceability and fair trade,” she notes.

She believes that as more producers focus on adding value at origin, Latin America can strengthen its position on the global stage. Education is key—not just for baristas, but for consumers as well.

For Mariem José, coffee is more than a profession; it’s a continuous journey of learning and sharing. Whether she’s competing, teaching, or simply brewing a cup, her passion remains steady—much like the deliberate, thoughtful process behind a well-brewed.