Hospitality Professional

Crafting Experiences, One Cup at a Time

From pulling espresso shots to leading teams — Samara Mehta brings warmth, precision, and leadership to every role in food & hospitality.

4+
Years in Hospitality
3
Roles Progressed
🎓
UMass Amherst
B.S. Kinesiology — currently studying
100s
Customers Served Daily
Barista → Asst. Manager

Hospitality is a craft,
not just a job.

I'm Samara Mehta, a hospitality professional and kinesiology student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. My journey in food service began behind an espresso machine and has grown into leading teams, managing operations, and creating the kind of guest experiences that keep people coming back.

What started as a love for coffee quickly became a passion for the entire hospitality ecosystem — the rhythm of a busy café, the satisfaction of a perfectly crafted order, and the challenge of keeping a team motivated through the rush.

My background in kinesiology sharpens my understanding of how people move, work, and perform — making me a more effective team leader and a more thoughtful operator.

Team Leadership Customer Service Café Operations Training & Mentoring Inventory Management Conflict Resolution

Started as a Barista

Mastered espresso technique, latte art, and the science of a perfect brew — building a loyal customer base from day one.

📋

Grew into Management

Took on increasing responsibility — scheduling, inventory, training new staff, and keeping operations smooth during peak hours.

🤝

Guest-First Philosophy

Believe that every interaction is an opportunity to make someone's day better — whether it's their first visit or their hundredth.

🎓

Academic Foundation

Pursuing Kinesiology at UMass Amherst — applying science of human movement to build stronger, healthier teams.

From first shift to
running the floor.

A progression built on consistency, care, and a genuine love for the hospitality industry.

Assistant Manager
Current Role
CAFE'INN

Promoted to assistant manager after demonstrating consistent performance and natural leadership ability. Now responsible for day-to-day operations, staff coordination, and maintaining the quality standards that define the CAFE'INN experience.

  • Oversee daily opening and closing procedures, ensuring smooth operations from first cup to last
  • Manage staff scheduling, balancing business needs with team wellbeing
  • Handle inventory ordering, supplier coordination, and waste reduction
  • Train and onboard new baristas, setting them up for success from day one
  • Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally, turning problems into loyalty
  • Collaborate with ownership on menu updates and seasonal promotions
Operations Management Staff Scheduling Inventory Control Training Guest Relations
👥
Senior Barista & Team Lead
2023 – 2024
CAFE'INN

Bridged the gap between barista craft and management responsibility. Led the floor team during peak shifts, mentored junior staff, and took ownership of quality control across all drink preparation.

  • Led a team of 4–6 baristas during high-volume morning and weekend rushes
  • Maintained drink quality consistency across the full menu, including seasonal specials
  • Created training guides and cheat sheets used by all new hires
  • Fielded escalated customer concerns when management was unavailable
  • Assisted with end-of-day cash reconciliation and inventory counts
Team Leadership Quality Control Mentoring Cash Handling
Barista
2022 – 2023
CAFE'INN

Joined CAFE'INN as a barista and quickly became known for efficiency, a warm presence, and a genuine curiosity about coffee craft. Built strong relationships with regulars and became a trusted part of the team.

  • Prepared and served espresso beverages, teas, and specialty drinks to exacting standards
  • Learned latte art and consistently received positive feedback from customers
  • Maintained cleanliness and health code compliance across all stations
  • Memorized regular customers' orders, creating a personal, welcoming atmosphere
  • Handled POS transactions accurately during high-volume service periods
Espresso Technique Latte Art POS Systems Customer Service Food Safety

Skills sharpened in
real environments.

Every capability below was earned on the floor — not in a classroom.

Coffee Craft

Trained across the full spectrum of espresso-based and specialty beverages.

  • Espresso extraction & dialing
  • Latte art (free-pour & etching)
  • Cold brew & nitro prep
  • Tea & alternative milk knowledge
  • Seasonal menu development
📋

Operations

Hands-on experience running a busy café from open to close.

  • Opening & closing procedures
  • Inventory & ordering
  • Staff scheduling
  • Cash handling & reconciliation
  • Health & safety compliance
🤝

Guest Experience

Building loyalty through every interaction, every single day.

  • Complaint resolution
  • Building customer rapport
  • High-volume service
  • Accessibility & inclusivity
  • Feedback implementation
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Team Leadership

Motivating and developing a team under pressure.

  • Onboarding & training
  • Shift management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Performance feedback
  • Morale & culture building
🧠

Kinesiology Knowledge

Applying movement science to create a healthier workplace.

  • Ergonomics & injury prevention
  • Physical performance awareness
  • Wellness-conscious scheduling
  • Human anatomy fundamentals

Adaptability

Thriving in fast-paced, unpredictable environments.

  • Rush-hour composure
  • Multi-tasking under pressure
  • Quick problem solving
  • Cross-training flexibility

Building the science
behind the practice.

🎓

Bachelor of Science — Kinesiology

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Studying the science of human movement, physical performance, and health — disciplines that directly inform how I lead teams, design shift structures, and think about employee wellbeing in high-demand hospitality environments.

📍 Amherst, MA 🕐 Currently Enrolled 🏃 Kinesiology

Open to new opportunities.

Whether it's a management role, a hospitality project, or just a great conversation — reach out.