One woman traded in 10-hour shifts followed by nights as a delivery driver for three-day work weeks as a bikini barista and she’s not looking back—despite all the criticism.
In a TikTok with 270,300 views, Sarah (@sarahsvlogging_) says people judge her for being a bikini barista, but she doesn’t care.
“I would never go back to a 9 to 5,” she says. She explains it’s because she used to work 10-hour shifts as a manager, do delivery at night, and “ literally work [her] soul into the ground.”
She knows she can’t do the job forever, but she emphasizes that that’s why she’ll be smart with how she invests her time and money. Since she only works three days a week, she can spend the other four days broadening her mind and pursuing other passions. Sarah says that’s what life is about, and she’d rather do that than “slave [her] life away working for a company for 60 years.”
“We all sell ourselves in some form of way,” she says. “Some just choose differently.”
As the name implies, a bikini barista is someone who serves coffee while wearing a bikini. The clientele is rarely there for the java, as one can infer.
‘As a 46 year old woman, I think you’re genius!’
Commenters were supportive, telling Sarah not to pay any mind to naysayers. Others said if they were younger or a woman, they’d be a bikini barista too, so all power to her.
“Don’t listen to anyone who isn’t paying your bills,” one wrote.
A second said, “I just find it so so sad that I wasted my hottest years not banking on my looks … you do you smart girl.”
A third chimed in, “Yea! I’m an old fat guy!!!! I could never have been successful doing that; it’s not fair!! Go live your best life.”
This is a rising sentiment
In another viral video, a woman expressed regret at not becoming an exotic dancer when she still had “it” after seeing a Miami “midnight ballerina” rake in over $9,000 in one night and more than $710,000 in 2024.
What’s it like being a bikini barista?
According to two bikini baristas who shared their experiences with Business Insider, it’s a pretty chill job that comes with a lot of perks.
These include receiving larger tips than you’d get at a regular coffee stand. Sometimes they are in the form of a rent payment, an all-expenses-paid vacation, or an Amazon wishlist purchase. While some people judge the women for accepting these gifts, one of the baristas notes that being offered lavish gifts is part of the job, and customers continue to offer them even if workers decline.
Other perks include a flexible schedule that allows you to pursue other passions (one of the baristas got her esthetician license), and no co-workers to have drama with. The dress code is also lax at times, which allowed one worker to wear rave outfits she already had.
Besides making coffee, the bulk of the job is making conversation. People come through looking to make a connection for a few minutes. The girls are great conversationalists, and it’s what keeps regulars coming back. Well, that and their good looks.
The truth of working this kind of job
Everyone knows customers are coming for the view, and they pay handsomely for it. Still, things can get uncomfortable. Customers may make lewd comments or try to get physical. One barista even had a stalker. However, most stalls are equipped with a panic button that immediately alerts police, and some baristas also carry tasers or pepper spray. Additionally, baristas can usually close the window on inappropriate customers and ban them from returning.
There is also sometimes a social media component to the job where baristas are required to post on Instagram or TikTok, but not always. Even if it’s not required, it can be a fun part of the job that can lead to more opportunities. For example, brand deals and an increased customer base (one barista noticed she started getting more women coming in after she posted to TikTok).
A misconception is that the job is a gateway to sex work or that bikini baristas have no ambition. While some stands do offer sexual services, this is not the case for every bikini coffee stall. Additionally, the baristas note that while it’s not what they see themselves doing long term, it’s a great stepping stone for reaching their life goals. One even mentions that it can be a long-term career if that’s what one wants, as some women, like her boss, have been in the business for 10 years or more.
@sarahsvlogging_ Food for thought from the local kini barista #fyp ♬ original sound – lovinsaraaa_
The Mary Sue contacted Sarah via TikTok comment and direct message.
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