Tea Time with Melisa: Talented Barista & Mom Extraordinaire

This loving mother and avid tea drinker sought out a job with Teaspressa and hasn't looked back! When she's not slangin' drinks at our Old Town location, Melisa is hanging with her hubby, son, and playful pups (and trying to catch a nap whenever possible).

Tell us a little bit about yourself: who is Melisa?

My name is Melisa Maestas. I was born and raised in Arizona – I love it, and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon! Before becoming a Teaspressa barista, I was in the spa industry as a nail technician for 11 years. I am married to the love of my life and have an awesome five-year-old son.

How did you end up working at Teaspressa?

I was a customer at Tea & Toast Co. for over a year and became fast friends with Allison and everyone there. When my son started Kindergarten, I really felt like I wanted a change in my career. I knew that being at tea and toast and being around everyone there made me happy, and I loved watching everyone make tea and coffee (almost as much as I enjoyed drinking it!). When Allison told me she was about to open Teaspressa, I asked if she would hire me, and she said yes!

What’s your favorite thing about working at Teaspressa?

Where do I start?! I really love everything about it. Allison is an amazing boss and has a heart of gold. I love how innovative everything is from the custom tea machines to always creating new and delicious recipes. There is always something exciting and interesting happening, and I love being in the heart of Scottsdale.

What does life look like outside of work?

Outside of work, I am a full-time mom! School, homework, doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, and all the other usual suspects occupy my time in this labor of love. I also have a passion for all animals and have five little rescue dogs that keep me on my toes and keep our hearts full! I also really enjoy sleeping and try to sneak naps in whenever possible.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I have always cared deeply about people, and I love to make everyone smile and see the good in things. Treating all people with kindness and love is deeply rooted in me, and it is how I try to live my life everyday. With that being said, I would have to say that the best advice I was ever given was not actually given to me. Rather, I really love and try and live by this quote by Dr. Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I try everyday to make people around me feel good through my actions and how I treat them.

Where do you see yourself in one year? five years? ten? What changes? What stays the same?

In five years and even in ten (and twenty, and thirty, etc.) I see myself still married to my amazing husband and still trying to be the best mom to my son. As far as my career, I will hopefully still be by Allison’s side helping her grow Teaspressa and whatever her next genius idea may be!

What is your favorite tea and snack to pair with it?

I am a Charles Grey drinker all the way! My favorite snack is anything that is in the form of a pastry (which is one of the delicious benefits of the Teaspressa/Ruze collaboration). Truly, there are not many carbs I will say no to!