In a world brimming with creativity and challenges, Mariam Erin shines as a star who seamlessly blends art and coffee in a captivating harmony. From a young age, Mariam was immersed in an artistic environment that inspired her to become a visual artist, shaping colors and canvases with unmatched elegance. But her journey didn’t stop at the boundaries of brushstrokes and paintings; she discovered a new realm of creativity in coffee.
Today, Mariam is not only a visual artist but also the UAE Brewers Champion, a certified Q-Grader, and a Food Technology expert. She masterfully balances these diverse roles with a passion for life and an unwavering drive for excellence. What sets her apart is not only her accomplishments but also her cheerful, loving personality and her constant support for the community she belongs to.
In this inspiring interview, we invite you to explore Mariam’s story—how her journey began, and how she weaves the threads of art and coffee into a creative tapestry that reflects her spirit and passion. Her words are an open invitation to embrace learning, growth, and the beauty found in every detail of life.
Could you share the story behind your journey into coffee and visual arts? How did these two passions come together in your life?
My love for art, specifically painting, began in my childhood. I grew up surrounded by my older brothers, who were deeply passionate about art and even professionally. Watching them, I naturally dove into the same craft. Over time, my understanding of coffee grew, and I realized it was another form of art or perhaps something even more deeper.
Before stepping into the coffee industry, I worked in food manufacturing laboratories, which taught me to see things differently. When I discovered coffee, I realized it has a good amount of science and art. I approached it with curiosity and care while finding joy in its complexity. It’s a craft that invites you to keep learning, experimenting, and creating something meaningful not only in the cup but to all the people behind it.
What inspired you to start competing in coffee championships, and how has your approach evolved over the years?
Eight years ago, like many aspiring baristas, I looked up to people who inspired me—those who had achieved success in their careers and lives. My journey wasn’t so different. As I was learning about coffee, I had the chance to watch championship performances and even worked for a company that encouraged its team to be involved in the competition scene.
Over the years, coffee has evolved, and so has the competition. To keep up, I’ve had to push myself to learn, grow, and become a better version of myself. The best guidance has come from experience, and every competition has taught me something new.
Winning the UAE Brewers Championship is a remarkable achievement. What was your preparation process like, and what unique elements did you bring to the competition this year?
Preparation was a team effort—definitely not a one-person show. Each person involved played a valuable role. From selecting the coffee to endless roasting and brewing sessions, it was all about collaboration and shared passion.
The unique elements this year came from the heart of our team’s work. Every detail, every brew, every decision was made with intention. That collective energy and dedication made all the difference.
Using the Binocular Dripper on stage was a significant achievement for me and my team. Winning with it made it even more special. We designed this device to allow me to brew my blend components separately in creating new flavor experience.
You mentioned learning from past defeats. How did those experiences shape your strategy for this championship?
Feedback was the most valuable tool we had. We took the comments from judges and the scoresheets from previous competitions to heart, analyzing every word to understand where we could improve.
This year, we focused on the areas we missed in the past, refining and perfecting them. Every critique became a stepping stone toward success.
In your recent post, you highlighted the importance of the community and team support. Can you share more about the role of your team in this success?
Competitions are never a solo act. Whenever I see someone competing, I always remind myself to appreciate the team behind them.
This year, my situation was no different. While I represented a brewing gadgets company, the people who stood with me came from various backgrounds and companies. My coach, Bagus (from White Mantis), was a guiding force and a coach, and our practice sessions were supported by Raka, Pratama, and Rangga (from Encounter and White Mantis), Yogi (from Specialty Batch), and Mario (Charlie and Friends).
Even beyond brewing, so many people offered their support, from the Scarab and ROR teams to Stella and even a local café owner. Their encouragement and belief in me kept me motivated and inspired. I’m deeply thankful for every single one of them.
How do you see the UAE coffee community evolving, and what excites you the most about being a part of it?
The UAE coffee community is becoming more collaborative, especially in the competition space. While competition is still competition, it’s inspiring to see how people come together to help each other achieve a common goal.
At the end of the day, we either win or we learn—and we gain new connections with people who share our vision. That’s what makes this community so exciting and rewarding to be part of.
As someone who wears many hats—champion, visual artist, Q-Grader, and FoodTech expert—how do you balance these roles, and how do they complement each other?
Honestly, I don’t see these roles as separate. For me, it’s all part of one package. I work in coffee, I work for coffee, and I love every aspect of it. Each role contributes to what I do and who I am, and together, they drive me to keep growing.
You’ve worked with several innovative tools and techniques, such as the Binocular dripper and Niware cups. How do you select and integrate new technologies into your brewing process?
My team and I developed the Binocular Dripper three years ago, driven by a desire to achieve better results—both in competition and in brewing.
When it comes to other tools, I always let the coffee guide me. I choose equipment based on what will elevate the coffee experience for the judges, whether it’s amplifying specific characteristics or simply enhancing comfort and enjoyment.
Who or what inspires you most in your journey, and how do you stay motivated through challenges?
The coffee evolution and the people—it’s a limitless, ever-evolving industry that excites me every day.
Of course, we’re all human, and there are moments when exhaustion creeps in. When that happens, I take a step back, pause, and reflect. It’s in those quiet moments that I find renewed energy and perspective.
What message would you like to share with aspiring coffee professionals and competitors who look up to you?
The only time you truly lose is when you stop trying—whether in life or competition.
But trying doesn’t always mean competing. It can mean elevating the coffee experience for consumers, sharing valuable insights with the community, or simply respecting the incredible network of people who make this industry what it is.
Keep learning, keep growing, and always find joy in what you do.
