A coffee school built from passion, craft and a dream that became real
I Am Barista Coffee School was created with one clear purpose: to help people learn real coffee skills in a space that feels professional, supportive and inspiring.
We are not just a training room. We are baristas, educators and coffee roasters who live this craft every day. Every student who walks through our doors becomes part of a story built on hard work, quality, community and love for Melbourne coffee culture.
This is us.
A small Melbourne coffee school with big standards. We believe great training should feel personal, practical and honest.
From a dream to one of Melbourne’s most trusted barista schools
I Am Barista started as a dream: to create a coffee school where students could feel welcomed, learn properly, and leave with real confidence behind the machine.
We wanted to build something different — a school with small classes, honest training, beautiful coffee, and a human approach. A place where beginners are not rushed, where questions are encouraged, and where students can truly understand what makes a great cup of coffee.
Today, that dream has become a growing coffee community in the heart of Melbourne. We are proud, grateful and still hungry to keep improving every day.
We teach coffee because we know coffee
Our students choose us because we combine practical barista training, specialty coffee standards, roasting knowledge and a supportive learning environment.
Real barista experience
Our training is based on years behind the machine, working with customers, preparing espresso, steaming milk and understanding real café pressure.
We roast our own coffee
We are proud to be a coffee school that also roasts. This gives students a deeper understanding of flavour, freshness and quality.
Small hands-on classes
We keep our classes small so students receive more practice, more feedback and more time to build confidence.
Trusted by students
Our reputation has grown because students feel supported, encouraged and genuinely cared for throughout their learning experience.
Professional equipment
Students train using commercial espresso machines and grinders, learning skills that connect directly to café environments.
A school with heart
We care about technique, but we also care about people. Our goal is to make students feel welcome, capable and inspired.
Built by people who care deeply about coffee and students
Behind I Am Barista is a small team with a big mission: to create one of the most trusted, professional and welcoming barista schools in Melbourne.
Carlos — Founder & Head Trainer
Carlos has spent over 13 years immersed in coffee, including years working as a barista and more than five years teaching aspiring baristas.
His approach is practical, detailed and passionate. He believes students should not only learn how to make coffee, but understand what is happening in the cup — from espresso extraction and milk texture to workflow, consistency and flavour.
Carlos has also studied through the Specialty Coffee Association, continuing to grow his knowledge because coffee is not just a job for him. It is a lifelong craft.
Regina — Co-Founder & Student Support
Regina is the warm, organised and caring presence behind the student experience at I Am Barista.
Originally from Argentina, with Korean-Bolivian roots, Regina moved to Australia in 2023 and became part of bringing this dream to life. With experience in education, administration and business management, she helps students feel supported before, during and after their course.
From replying to enquiries to managing bookings and welcoming students from around the world, Regina makes sure the journey feels smooth, friendly and personal.
Freshly roasted coffee is part of the way we teach
One of the things that makes I Am Barista different is that we are not only teaching coffee — we are also roasting it.
This means our students train with coffee that has a story, a roast profile and a purpose. You learn using beans selected and roasted by people who understand how coffee behaves in the grinder, in the portafilter and in the cup.
For us, roasting is not just a detail. It is part of our commitment to quality and part of what helps students experience coffee at a deeper level.
What this means for students
OUR LITTLE MASCOT
Nala — the heart of the school
Nala is our beloved school mascot and part of the I Am Barista family. She may not teach espresso extraction or latte art, but she brings warmth, joy and a little bit of extra happiness to our story.
Sometimes shy, always sweet, and usually ready for a nap or a cuddle, Nala reminds us that this school was built with love — not only for coffee, but for people, community and new beginnings.
Come and learn coffee with people who truly care
Whether you are starting from zero, preparing for café work, or simply wanting to understand coffee better, we would love to welcome you into our school and help you build real confidence behind the machine.