Her Story
About Marlena
Marlena Barauskas is the General Manager at The Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters, where she brings over two decades of leadership experience in the food and beverage industry. With a strong foundation in team management, customer service, and operations, Marlena has become a driving force behind the brand’s continued success and community presence. Her role combines her expertise in human resources, training, and quality assurance—skills she has refined through years of hands-on leadership in high-paced, customer-centered environments. Before joining The Blind Tiger, Marlena spent nearly 15 years with Starbucks, where she served as a Supervisor and earned recognition as a Black Apron Barista and Coffee Master. In this role, she was responsible for training new employees and managers, managing store operations, and ensuring every guest enjoyed a consistent, high-quality experience. Her early years at Pizza Hut also shaped her management philosophy, emphasizing teamwork, efficiency, and the importance of building positive workplace culture. A graduate of Florida Southern College with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine/Studio Arts and Graphic Design, Marlena brings a creative eye to everything she does—whether developing team strategies, enhancing the guest experience, or supporting community initiatives. Known for her passion, professionalism, and people-first approach, she continues to inspire those around her while contributing to the growth and success of Tampa’s thriving coffee scene.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marlena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for people, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Each step of my 25-year journey in management and HR — from Pizza Hut to Starbucks to Blind Tiger — has taught me the importance of empathy, creativity, and communication in leadership. I believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, and I’m constantly seeking new ways to grow, both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Some of the best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentor and CEO, Roberto Torres, who reminded me that its not what you say, its what your employees hear. Making sure we are present in the moment with our employees and creating a culture of understanding is feedback that I have taken with me in every managerial scenario I've encountered, which creates an environment where everyone feels seen and heard. Another mentor and close friend, Jody Brown, taught me the value of authentic networking and building a genuine personal brand. These are lessons that have shaped how I lead and how I've grown in this fast-paced industry.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the hospitality industry is to stay curious, adaptable, and open to learning — this field is always evolving, especially with the rise of AI, and growth comes from embracing change with confidence and curiosity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field is managing generational differences in communication and work styles. As a manager, I’ve learned to meet people where they are, adapting to new forms of communication while still emphasizing personal connection, accountability, and respect to help young employees grow into confident professionals.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness, empathy, and inclusion are at the heart of everything I do. I believe in making sure everyone feels seen and heard, both at work and in the community. Through initiatives like our Blind Tiger Snap Meal project providing free meals to children on SNAP benefits, I’m reminded that true hospitality is about care, connection, and giving back.
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