Mariah Vella brings a thoughtful and grounded approach to her work as a store manager & barista at COFFEE & strangers in Malta. Her time in Milan taught her how much a café can shape someone’s day, and she carries that understanding into her role as shop manager. The café has been recognised twice by the European Coffee Trip community, winning the ECT Award two years in a row, a reflection of the steady care and consistency that define Mariah´s team’s work.
Her background in photography and design strengthens the calm and attentive way she leads the space. Mariah focuses on creating an atmosphere where people feel welcome, understood, and encouraged to explore specialty coffee without pressure. She values thoughtful conversations, shared curiosity, and the daily rituals that keep the café grounded.
She also finds motivation in the team around her, especially in the mentorship she receives from her bosses, Deandra and Luke. Their support fuels her drive to keep learning and improving. With new projects ahead, Mariah is excited to continue contributing to a café that grows through community, creativity, and the kind of hospitality that lingers long after a visit.
Mariah, what is your first memory with coffee?
My first memory of truly appreciating coffee dates back to when I lived in Milan. Just around the corner from my university, there was a coffee shop run by a couple. It felt like home to me, and the cosy atmosphere kept me coming back every morning. It made me realise that coffee isn’t just about the drink itself, but also about the experience that comes with it.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the coffee industry, and how did you get started? What did you do before coffee?
I was inspired to pursue a career in coffee because I feel it’s still a growing and exciting concept in Malta, with so much potential for innovation and community-building. When COFFEE & Strangers were looking for someone to join their team, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to take the leap, so I applied, and here I am today.
Before working in coffee, I was employed at a creative agency, which gave me a strong foundation in creativity, communication, and understanding people skills that I now bring into my work in the coffee world. My background is in Photography and Design, which is something I still do to this day.
Tell us a bit about the place you work at. What is your role there?
COFFEE & Strangers is a warm and welcoming space, built on genuine passion and high standards. We’re committed to delivering the best experience possible, and that really shows in the dedication and creativity of our team. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and together we create an environment that feels both inspiring and inviting.
In my day-to-day role, I focus on ensuring everything runs smoothly, supporting the team, encouraging collaboration, and making sure our customers’ needs are always met. I also work closely with Deandra and Luke to continuously improve the shop and elevate what we offer.
What kind of experience do you want your guests to have when they visit you at the cafe?
I want every person who visits our café to feel welcome and to have the chance to discover or rediscover what specialty coffee is all about. Whenever possible, I aim to engage in one-on-one conversations with each guest to make the experience personal and meaningful. Even when I see familiar faces, I treat every visit as though they are new: I meet each customer with the same warmth and respect, regardless of how much they already know about coffee.
What is your favourite part of the day in your cafe, and why?
My favourite part of the day is definitely opening the shop. The morning smells are divine, from the freshly delivered pastries to the first brews of coffee filling the space. There’s something really special about preparing the café for the day and then serving our customers their very first coffee. It sets a warm, positive tone for everyone, including me.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep improving your coffee-making skills?
I stay motivated by working closely with Deandra, the only qualified coffee educator in Malta. Her work ethic, passion, and guidance constantly push me to grow and refine my skills. She listens, supports us, and challenges us in all the right ways. Working with Luke on the finer details also encourages me and reassures me that I’m moving in the right direction. His eye for detail and his feedback help me improve both technically and creatively.
As the shop manager, I also feel a responsibility to continuously improve in every aspect of the job. That sense of duty, combined with the inspiring people around me, keeps me driven to learn, evolve, and always bring my best to the café.
What are some common misconceptions about our industry that you’ve encountered, and how do you address them?
One common misconception I often encounter is when people say they just want “normal coffee”. It’s always a bit tricky to explain that there really isn’t a single definition of normal coffee, the world of coffee is so diverse and complex! I take it as an opportunity to guide them through the coffee industry, sharing how different beans, brewing methods, and techniques create unique flavours. It’s always fun to help people discover that there’s so much more to coffee than they might expect.
Can you tell us about a time when you had to train a new barista? How did you approach the training process, and what did you focus on?
I’ve trained a few new baristas now, and my approach always focuses on a balance between efficiency, high standards, and strong customer relationships. I start by teaching the fundamentals, workflow, consistency, and maintaining quality, so they feel confident behind the bar. From there, I emphasise the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere and connecting with customers, because great service is just as essential as great coffee. I try to guide them step by step, offering support and feedback while also giving them space to learn and grow at their own pace.
What are your passions and hobbies apart from coffee?
Apart from brewing coffee day to day, I’m a true sea lover. Anything related to the ocean makes me feel at home. I surf here in Malta, yes, we really do get waves! And I’m always up for long summer boat days. I’m also a photographer. I shoot both digital and film, though film is something I like to dabble in when I want a slower, more intentional process. Beyond Maltese landscapes, I also enjoy photographing architecture.
Where on Malta do you find your best inspiration?
I find a lot of inspiration in seeing our team grow and evolve. Watching everyone develop their skills and work together is incredibly rewarding. I’m also inspired by Deandra’s hands-on approach; her dedication and passion motivate me to keep improving every day.
What coffee challenges are you looking forward to? Any new projects or collaborations?
With 2026 approaching, I’m excited to keep growing as a barista within COFFEE & Strangers. I’m really looking forward to developing my skills even further and supporting any new projects or collaborations that come our way. It’s a great feeling to be part of something that’s constantly evolving, and I’m eager to contribute wherever I can.
Quick Fire Questions for Mariah Vella:
Filter coffee or espresso-based?
Espresso-based.
Milk coffee or black coffee?
Milky.
The most underrated coffee drink?
A very short americano or cortado here in Malta.
Favourite piece of barista equipment?
The PUQpress.
How do you make coffee at home?
Moka pot for adventures.
What’s your dream place to have a coffee tour?
I would love to visit Switzerland.
