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The annual Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars is a prestigious initiative that champions excellence in culinary arts, hospitality and sustainable practices. Now in its 17th year, the competition is devoted to nurturing entrepreneurship and showcasing the exceptional talents of aspiring students as well as inspiring the next generation of emerging leaders in the industry.

This year’s event showcased not only intense competition and remarkable skill, but also the kind of creative flair and professionalism that the future of South African hospitality is built on.

Held recently at the Cape Grace hotel in Cape Town, one of the night’s big winners was Mia van Vuuren who picked up the award for the Avanti SS Young Star Barista of the Year. The 20-year old Van Vuuren, who hails from Milnerton, is a second year student at The IIE School of Hospitality & Service Management (IIEHSM) studying Hospitality Management.

We spoke to her shortly after her win.

Firstly, congrats on your win. What a wonderful achievement.

Thank you. Yes, it was – and still is - pretty exciting.

What were you required to do to impress the judges?

I had to present two espressos and two milk-based beverages within 10 minutes and provide the judges with an explanation of the coffee beans used. I was judged on the accuracy of the taste and tactile descriptors used.

How did you prepare for the competition?

I took part in the coffee training sessions provided by Avanti Coffee and Bootlegger. I also practiced making coffees at the café that I work at just for some added confidence.

What were your prizes?

I won a beautiful red kettle from KitchenAid, a cookbook by Chef Zanele van Zyl (herself a Capsicum alumni), an R800 Scanpan voucher, R6 000 in cash, a box of delicious Von Geusau chocolates and a goodie bag filled with some really yummy snacks.

What was the reaction of friends and family?

My mom was so proud; my bosses congratulated me; and my friends were very happy!

How did you celebrate?

I went out for drinks with my best friend. I celebrated my birthday a few days later, so it felt like I had been receiving gifts that whole week!

What inspired you to pursue a career in the hospitality industry?

I was first inspired when I was 15, observing a friend of my mothers who was the General Manager of Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse in the Drakensburg. He would take me through the different departments of the hotel and even let me try out some of the roles so I could figure out where I might fit best. That’s when I realised I actually preferred his job above all the others. From there, I was able to choose my school subjects with the hospitality industry in mind. As soon as I was legally allowed to work, I did, starting at Wimpy, then moving on to Mugg and Bean and now at a restaurant called Happy Folks where I’ve been for the past three years. Hopefully, once I’ve graduated (in 2026) I will be lucky enough to land a role at a five-star premium hotel.

What would you like to be doing in five years’ time?

I would like to be working somewhere in Spain or Greece, I’ve been learning Spanish for a few years now and I’d like to improve it and put it to good use. Greece is just so beautiful, and I want to live out my Mamma Mia fantasy. I’ve not travelled overseas before so I still have time to explore before I make a final decision.

The IIE School of Hospitality Service & Management (IIEHSM) has upcoming Open Days at its campuses in Cape Town and Johannesburg. These take place on Saturday, June 28 and July 26, from 9h00 to 12h00 and are aimed at those who want to enrol in the schools’ next intake in July or in February 2026.

For more information, visit the IIEHSM website or email info@iiehsm.com