A Lifelong Passion for Coffee & Education
My name is Marcela Serrano Angel, and for me, coffee isn't just a career—it's part of my story. In my birth country, Colombia, coffee is woven into the fabric of our culture. It’s a symbol of our characteristic welcoming nature and family focus—the first thing offered when you visit any household. Like almost every Colombian, I was definitely drinking it from a very young age! This connection sparked a deep fascination; it was the driving force to understand the science and processes behind the craft that led me to seek my first job in the specialty coffee world in 2006.
I dove into my first coffee courses in 2009, achieved a formal diploma-level coffee education in 2011, and earned my first SCA certificate in 2013. My early career in Colombia was a deep dive into the broader hospitality world; I gained experience working as a Barista and Head of Coffee in prestigious social clubs and renowned hotels, worked as an alternative brewing specialist, a roastery sales representative—gaining technical knowledge of commercial machines— and pursued continuous education through coffee farm trips, formal bartending, and high-end table service to build a comprehensive foundation. A true turning point was volunteering at the 2011 World Coffee Championships in Bogotá. It opened my coffee universe—I met world champions, learned from other coffee-producing countries, and tasted my very first non-Colombian coffees.
I came to Australia in 2014 full of illusions and knowledge, but I had to prove myself all over again and start from the ground up. The process was tough. The economic constraints of starting life in a new country were huge, and there were times I had to pause my continuous education to focus on working. A pivotal moment came from volunteering at the Cafe Biz Expo in Brisbane in 2015, which helped me forge my first deep connections within the Australian industry. That foundation allowed me to immerse myself in Brisbane's busy specialty coffee & hospitality industry for the next decade, working in every setting imaginable, from small carts to major roasteries, and covering a wide spectrum of skills besides making coffee. My hands-on experience includes small-batch roasting, quality control, retail, wholesale and logistics, technical expertise with prosumer espresso machines, from testing new equipment to pre-diagnosing issues, and guiding customers, among many others.
All of this real-world experience fuels my passion for sharing knowledge, which began in Colombia but truly flourished in Australia. I found my calling in training staff in my roles as a manager, mentoring my 'padawans,' and running workshops for friends. It’s why I believe that learning should be an interactive and supportive experience, where students feel empowered to ask questions and explore the fascinating "rabbit hole" of coffee. Beyond my formal jobs, I am an active member of the coffee community. I am a judge for national and regional coffee competitions, a coach for competitors, and a regular volunteer at industry cuppings and events.
The dream of my own training company started in Colombia, where I even created the BlueRose name back in 2012 and started doing some workshops and sharing knowledge. It truly began to take form here in Australia in 2020, when I started professionally collaborating with fellow trainers and teaching classes alongside other coffee education companies. I've dedicated my career to sharing, bean by bean, my experience and wealth of knowledge with the next generation of coffee professionals and enthusiasts. My mission is to create a dynamic, confident, and empowering space for you to grow. Whether you're aiming for an internationally recognized certification or simply want to make better coffee at home, I'm here to help you achieve your goals collaborating with the best roasteries and training spaces in Brisbane.
My own professional development is a journey without a finish line, and this long road of dedication recently marked two of my long dreamt and biggest personal milestones: becoming an Authorized SCA Trainer (AST) in 2024 and a Licensed Q Grader Instructor in 2025. I will always keep educating myself to bring the most current and comprehensive knowledge to every class.
This story is just a snapshot of a journey that's always evolving. The world of coffee never stops teaching, and I never stop learning. The next chapter is one I'm excited to write with the next generation of coffee professionals, and I hope that includes you.
Of course, this journey has never been a solo one. Behind every step has been a network of incredible people. I am eternally grateful for my husband, my pillar of support through every challenge, and for every one of my mentors, colleagues, and coffee friends who have shared their knowledge and encouragement along the way—to each of you, thank you!
My Qualifications
SCA Authorized Trainer (AST) & Coffee Diploma
Holding the Specialty Coffee Association's comprehensive Coffee Diploma signifies a deep mastery across the industry. As an AST, I am officially certified by the SCA to teach their globally recognized curriculum, ensuring your certification is respected worldwide.
Q Grader & Q Grader Instructor
Not only do I hold the prestigious Q Grader license, but as a certified Instructor, I am qualified to train and certify the next generation of Q Graders—the industry's highest standard for evaluating coffee with professional precision.
CQI Educator & Q Processing Generalist
My certifications from the Coffee Quality Institute focus on the critical stages of coffee quality at the farm level. As a Post-Harvest Processing Educator and a Q Processing Generalist, I have a specialized understanding of how farming and processing methods directly create the flavors you taste in the cup.
ASCA Judge
Serving as a Sensory Judge for the Australian Specialty Coffee Association keeps me at the cutting edge of the industry. I evaluate top competitors at both regional and national levels, a role that constantly refines my palate and informs the real-world knowledge I bring to every class.
A Commitment to Continued Learning
The world of coffee is always evolving, and so is my education. I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and am continuously studying to earn new qualifications. This dedication ensures I can bring the most current and comprehensive knowledge to every class.
As Featured In BeanScene Magazine
"For Marcela, the desire to learn about coffee is a passion she wants to share, bean-by-bean, with anyone who will listen. Her dream is to one day own her own coffee education centre..."
