Barista, academic, entrepreneur—Tia Grahn wears many hats. Based in Helsinki, she’s transformed her passion for coffee into a career that defies convention, delving deep into its science, competition, and entrepreneurial realm. With over eight years in the specialty coffee industry, Tia has earned two Finnish championship titles (2024 Finnish Cup Tasters Championship and Finnish Moccamaster Championship), published research on brewing water’s impact on coffee, and contributed to Coffee People Zine. Yet, her most significant achievement might be her drive to remain a curious explorer of coffee—a trait that sets her apart in the industry.
Growing up with a love for baking, Tia discovered her first real connection with coffee when she was nine, brewing it for chocolate squares (mokkapalat). However, her career path took an unexpected turn. Aspiring to become an architect, she found herself wandering through jobs until a life-changing cup of Ethiopian washed coffee sparked her interest in the industry. “Everything in coffee is well-crafted science, even if it’s not intentional,” Tia explains. This intrigue led her to pursue dual master’s degrees in Chemistry and Food Science, fueling her academic curiosity about coffee.
One pivotal moment that solidified Tia’s commitment to coffee research came during her studies when she encountered Christopher Hendon’s book Water for Coffee. Inspired by the book, she focused her thesis on examining how different mineral profiles in water impact washed and natural versions of the same coffee. Her research combined sensory analysis with chemical analysis, shaping a unique approach to understanding coffee flavors.
After completing her engineering studies, Tia started creating TikTok content about coffee in Finnish, focusing on sustainability and explaining the nuances of specialty coffee. Despite receiving hateful comments, she continued her journey, eventually founding her own company—MNEN Coffee. One of her first projects was an advent calendar filled with coffees from various Finnish specialty roasters, allowing consumers to explore diverse origins and processing methods.
She’s also training for the Finnish Brewers Cup and working on her Master’s thesis in chemistry related to coffee, which will be published later this autumn.
Currently, Tia is preparing a presentation on coffee science for Roast Fest, the main event of Helsinki Coffee Week. She’s also training for the Finnish Brewers Cup and working on her Master’s thesis in chemistry related to coffee, which will be published later this autumn.
Tia’s hands-on experience as a barista and entrepreneur informs her scientific research, helping her identify gaps in existing studies. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of coffee and the need for reliable analytics that reflect reality. To stay motivated, Tia finds inspiration in the pursuit of perfection and the vastness of the coffee world’s mysteries.
One area that particularly intrigues Tia is coffee waste and its potential applications. She sees untapped opportunities in utilizing by-products like coffee husk and chaff in the production of filters, packaging, or other products, contributing to a more sustainable coffee culture.
If given the chance to collaborate with anyone, Tia would choose Dr Veronica Belchior. With a multidisciplinary background and Q-grader qualification, she believes learning from Belchior would enhance her research and sensory evaluation skills. Together, they could push the boundaries of coffee analytics, bringing meaningful advancements to the industry.
She finds beauty in everyday art forms like flavors at a restaurant or handmade jewelry, appreciating the effort put into creating something exceptional.
Tia’s passion for art and photography extends beyond her coffee endeavors. She finds beauty in everyday art forms like flavors at a restaurant or handmade jewelry, appreciating the effort put into creating something exceptional. In her free time, she enjoys experiencing other people’s passions.
As Tia looks to the future, she hopes to see a shift towards a more sustainable coffee culture, with consumers drinking less but higher-quality coffee and truly enjoying the experience. She aims to contribute by providing knowledge that influences consumer behavior and elevates appreciation for the industry.
In this fast-paced world of coffee, Tia Grahn stands out as a beacon of curiosity and innovation. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and passion for coffee are shaping conversations that go well beyond the cup—making her an inspiring figure in the specialty coffee scene.
CLOSE: What aspects of coffee’s science intrigue you the most? Share your thoughts and questions with us below!
Questions & Answers
Who is Tia Grahn and what is her role in MNEN Coffee, Helsinki?
Tia Grahn is the barista and owner of MNEN Coffee in Helsinki, Finland. She is renowned for her unique coffee blends and passionate approach to crafting each cup.
What makes MNEN Coffee stand out among other coffee shops in Helsinki?
MNEN Coffee stands out due to its focus on quality, innovative brewing methods, and Tia Grahn’s expertise in creating unique blends. The cozy atmosphere and personal touch also contribute to its popularity.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
