Laila Ghambari
Laila Ghambari
Owner, Guilder Coffee Company
Presenter Bio
Laila Ghambari has spent nearly two decades building expertise across specialty coffee, from barista craft and education to roasting, retail operations, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Growing up in Seattle alongside her father, Ali Ghambari, owner of the longtime Cherry Street Coffee House, she was introduced to coffee from an early age.
In 2014, Laila was named United States Barista Champion, an achievement that expanded her connection to the global coffee community. She also served as an elected member of the Barista Guild Executive Council from 2012 to 2016, contributing to the growth and development of the profession.
Her career has included executive leadership roles with leading coffee companies, including Stumptown Coffee Roasters, where she led multimillion-dollar business channels and teams across the United States. Today, Laila is the owner of Guilder Coffee Company, with both roasting and retail operations, as well as a consulting business focused on helping coffee companies strengthen leadership, operations, and innovation.
Outside of coffee, Laila is a mother of three and lives with her family on five acres in Southwest Washington, where they practice regenerative agriculture. She is passionate about native plants, foraging, composting, and waste reduction—and believes that the best conversations often extend well beyond coffee.
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