Kristen was born and raised in beautiful California and doesn't understand why she ever left to go to school at Amherst College, where she studies Art History and French. She enjoys golf, eating food, taking pictures of food, cooking food, singing, painting, hanging out with friends, and maintaining her food blog (shameless plug: http://lehungryotter.wordpress.com). Her favorite food is Korean, and she often goes by the name of Kleeball.

Hometown?

Los Altos, CA.

Alma Mater/Degree:

Amherst College, 2014. Art & the History of Art, French.

What's your first coffee-related memory?

I remember walking to the nearest Starbucks by myself and feeling really old, when I was around 7 or 8 years old. I think I ordered a Tazo Wildberry Tea – not a coffee, unfortunately.

How did you find Joyride Coffee? Why did you decide to work here? Are/were you a coffee drinker?

I had worked at an investment company and a PR company, and I wanted to try something different this summer. Having grown up in Silicon Valley, I wanted to try my luck at a start-up. I also wanted to be in New York, so I looked up "Top Start-Ups in NYC" and came across Joyride. It was also perfect because I wanted to learn more about the food and beverage industry.

Are you the type to sit down at a café and slowly sip a cup of coffee or do you usually grab n go?

I love just sitting and people watching at cafés. I think it's the perfect setting for a good conversation with a good friend or two.

Do you consider coffee a trendy drink?

I used to only drink coffee purely as a strong source of caffeine, but I'm slowly learning all of the nuanced tastes that come with different cups of coffee, and the differences between a good cup and a bad cup. It's just as delicate as wine is, and the wider public, including myself, seem to be learning that. With that in mind, good coffee is becoming a much more interesting and trendy product.

Pet Peeves?

Rude people. Entitlement. Dirty surroundings.

Interests?

Golf. Painting. Singing. Music. Food. Photography. Blogging. People.

Best Feature?

My general love for people.

Bad Habits?

I'm sensitive in every way.

Ideal Date?

Good dinner, good conversation, good bar for drinks, karaoke in K-Town.

Celebrity Crush?

Celebrity Crush(es): John Krasinski, Darren Criss, Leonardo DiCaprio.

Favorite Color?

Shades of blue and bright pink.

Favorite Movie?

Finding Neverland. Pan's Labyrinth. The Great Gatsby. Inglourious Basterds.

Favorite Music?

Pretty eclectic mix.

Favorite Book?

Harry...Potter...among others – The Alchemist. Just too many. I feel bad for asking everybody else these questions because they are impossible to answer without over-analyzing what the choices will say about you.