Barista of the Month - Karl, Cafe Baby Finger - June 2026

Meet Karl from Cafe Baby Finger, our Barista of the Month for June! Karl brings real dedication to the café each day, thrives in the morning rush, and has a great eye (and hand) for latte art.

What’s your name and where do you work?
My name is Karl Defina and I work at Cafe Baby Finger in Camperdown.

What inspired you to become a barista?
Latte art turned a daily routine into an art form for me. It pushed me to keep improving behind the machine and gave me a way to connect with customers through coffee.

How do you start your day before a shift?
I start my day by looking after the boss of the place, John, with his famous large latte to get him going, followed by his partner in crime Jenny with her small single shot flat white. Then it’s my turn with a small ristretto latte while I dial in the machine.

What’s your favourite part of working at the café?
My favourite part has to be the morning rush, where my skills, speed, and efficiency are really put to the test.

Do you have any tips for perfecting latte art?
It comes down to flow and jug control. Start high to mix the milk and espresso, then bring the jug closer to the surface to start your pour. Cup angle is also really important.

What’s your favourite Paradox blend or origin, and why?
I really like Penny Lane. It has a well-rounded flavour profile — smooth and approachable with natural sweetness, low bitterness, and soft, balanced acidity.

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know I can tell what the milk is doing just by the sound while steaming.

Thanks Karl for taking the time to chat with us — go say hello at @cafebabyfinger