Behind the Beans: Clara Schumann
About „Behind the Beans“
In this edition, we’re not looking to origin, we’re going behind the scenes at cumpa, featuring Clara Schumann. She joined us as a working student, wrote her bachelor’s thesis at cumpa, and now leads our communications and marketing. As the voice behind our social media and website, she develops content every day and translates the world of specialty coffee into words and images.
Interview with Clara Schumann
What is your relationship with cumpa?
I started at cumpa as a working student and was able to write my bachelor’s thesis here as part of my work. Now I’m on board full-time, steering communications and marketing, managing our social media channels and website, and creating new content every day.
How did you get into the coffee industry?
cumpa is what brought me into the coffee industry, and I was immediately captivated. Thanks to Lukas’s passion and enthusiasm, I quickly found my way into the world of specialty coffee. This world has introduced me to so many fascinating stories, inspiring people, and complex flavors.
What do you like about the specialty coffee industry?
The passion. People in this industry do their work with so much love and conviction. That enthusiasm is what I find most beautiful. This passion brings people together, reveals different cultures, and crosses boundaries we might not notice in everyday life. It’s about challenging preconceptions and coffee is far more complex than many people think.
What do you want to achieve with coffee?
Through coffee and through my work, I want to inspire people to look more closely. I want to show what the world has to offer, the many facets of different cultures and just how much flavor can be contained in a single bean.
What does (specialty) coffee mean to you?
Energy and zest for life. Every cup is invigorating and lifts your mood. It’s a brief moment to pause and take a deep breath.
What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you with coffee?
Meeting Don Martin and Jimmy in Munich was a highlight. I found it fascinating to watch two worlds come together and to meet the producers in person. It was truly a wonderful experience.
Which coffee prejudice would you like to dispel?
People often talk about coffee in general terms “bitter and one-note” yet it holds so many dimensions and tiny flavor nuances in a single sip. You can taste much more if you lean into it. Each species, each variety, and every brewed coffee tastes a little different.
Which coffee highlight are you currently looking forward to the most?
What I’m most excited about is meeting even more people through my work and having the chance to tell their stories. I’m looking forward to interviews, events, and collaborating with my team.
