An example of courage, stubbornness and strength both for those who share the same dream and for all women who do not stop fighting to pursue their personal fulfilment, we asked her for her secrets to becoming a champion.
Ciao Manuela! Not so long ago we asked you what it means to be a "Woman in Coffee", and you answered: "I really feel more like a woman in Latte Art". What did you mean by that exactly?
Well, I’m a girl who likes to search for figures and creations and then recreate them in a cup of cappuccino or espresso, because it's something I really appreciate in art in general. It inspires me to draw with just the milk jug as my brush.
What does latte art represent for you?
It definitely represents kind of different lifestyle. It’s a passion that has pulled me out of a really difficult period and despite everything – because I think everyone has ups and downs – it continues to help me today. It is a passion that I think I’m unlikely to give up, for the simple fact that it is an escape from the problems of life. In fact, the pours in a cup are a form of art but not in a sad way. I always prefer that thin line between reality and fantasy.
Has your life changed since you became the World Latte Art Champion?
Absolutely! It totally changed my life, even though I am also a mother. I find it hard to balance working time with the time I devote to my son, but when he tells me "thank you mom for working for me," or "you're the world champion!," that makes up for everything. Winning has opened many doors for me, both in Italy and abroad, but I owe this to all my perseverance and dedication that I have given to latte art up to now.
What advice do you want to give to all those guys who are Latte Art enthusiasts and would like to participate in competitions?
Without doubt, never give up the dream of reaching your most desired place – which I think is the dream of any competitor – and never give up on training, even when you are tired. There must always be consistency and dedication; that's where you see if you have passion! Of course we must not be heroes, but we must at least scratch the surface of sacrifice. If you do then you also touch on the idea of being able to succeed. It is not obvious, and I have experienced that firsthand. We must prepare ourselves to perfection in order to be able to be that little less perfect in the race and still be able to reach our goal. Unfortunately the emotions always play tricks on you!
What was the best moment of the competition?
It was with my coach Chiara Bergonzi. It only took one look between us to understand that we had made it! She rushed to me and took me in her arms. I think that was the best moment of the whole competition, not because the rest is not important, but because together we had a goal. The goal I had was to win for Chiara. She is a very good competitor and coach that today I am lucky enough to know personally and that I would choose again tenfold.
What do you think about latte art in Italy more generally?
Latte art is expanding, it is growing and this is thanks to all the trainers who in their small way continue to pass on their passion. In Italy, latte art has evolved and reached such a high level that it is hard to understand or predict who the next Italian champion can be.
What’s your next project?
Definitely to open an academy in the form of "Gym of Latte Art", to offer a space in which to train all the competitors who want or need it so they can continue in training.
Manuela will be with us every day of The Milan Coffee Festival (30 Nov - 02 Dec 2019) at the Latte Art Live stage, and will be part of the "Women In Coffee" panel on Saturday 30 Nov.