Shaylee grew up in the small town of Seward, Alaska. One night, sitting around the campfire with her family, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the glorious Alaskan night sky, she realized that she was so lucky to grow up in such a majestic place. Yet, she knew that there must be more out there that would continue to amaze her. “I needed to see the world. I knew that I would miss home because, honestly, I am in love with Alaska and my family, but I knew I needed to explore.”
Shaylee thrives in creative atmospheres. She loves exploring the outdoors through hiking, camping, and rock climbing. She loves to create paintings and drawings and can usually be found with a camera in hand. Shaylee works with the Outdoor Program at PSU teaching students teamwork, leadership, and respect for the environment. She has dreamed of backpacking in Ireland since she was a little girl, giving her the opportunity to take in all the beautiful landscapes there while learning more about her ancestors’ history and culture.
In high school, Shaylee got a job at Kaladi Brothers Coffee Company in Alaska because they were great people with the best cup of coffee in Alaska. She stays in coffee because she feels very comfortable and knowledgeable, yet knows there is always more to learn. Since moving to Portland, that knowledge has just kept growing and expanding and that is how she truly fell in love with coffee. There is such a variety of methods, options and culture within the community here. “Coffee is a big part of who I am and my life in general. I’ve been in the industry since 2009!”
One of Shaylee’s favorite parts of coffee is the challenge of creating that perfect drink for someone and gets really excited thinking about the cup of coffee and the impact it can have on someone’s day. Working at Case Study Coffee since 2012, Shaylee has been blown away at the amount of knowledge and resources she has access to here as well as the spectrum of co-workers she’s been able to work alongside. “I have met so many great people that have impacted my life, taught me things, and explored my early years in Portland with, and have developed some lasting friendships and for that I am truly grateful.”
Shaylee is currently studying Art Practices specializing in photography and minoring in business at PSU and has her own photography business: kshayleephotos.com
