Community members are mourning the death of a popular DJ and award-winning barista.
Holly Kang, a shift supervisor at the Starbucks in Queensborough Landing, died June 24 at the age of 27.
Kang (who used she/they pronouns) had worked at that location since November 2023, having worked at stores in Burnaby and Vancouver since joining the company as a barista in 2016.
In a statement to the Record, Starbucks Coffee Canada said it was devastated to learn of the passing of one of its longtime, beloved partners, following a critical medical emergency and said its thoughts are with Kang’s loved ones.
“For us at Starbucks, we are so grateful for knowing Holly, who delivered kindness, friendship and connection in the most meaningful way,” said Leanna Rizzi, communications manager with Starbucks Coffee Canada. “Holly was an eight-year Starbucks partner who built many deep connections throughout the company, and we know this news will profoundly affect many of our partners.”
Kang’s home store in Queensborough Landing was closed Friday through Sunday.
“The store served as a gathering place for partners to come together as a community and seek support from onsite EAP counsellors and each other,” said the statement. “With input from partners, the store was reopened Monday to the community with limited hours. Partners that did not want to work in the store were provided support and alternatives.”
According to Starbucks, Kang worked in several Vancouver area stores and the Starbucks Vancouver regional office and was a member of several internal partner-led groups that bring together people with shared identities and experiences.
“Holly was known for their joy, compassion and desire to learn, grow and always try to make the world a better place for their friends, family, fellow partners, customers and everyone they encountered,” Rizzi said. “Outside of work, Holly brought positive energy to countless people through music as DJ Holla Holly, performing regularly around Vancouver.”
Earlier this month, Kang was a finalist and first runner-up in the North America Barista Championships. Out of the more than 17,000 baristas who participated in the event, Kang was one of 21 regional champions who competed for the championship at Starbucks’ headquarters in Seattle on June 3 to 5.
“Being able to meet all these partners in one place together, it was really awesome to just be able to connect with them,” Kang told the Record.
In a post-competition Starbucks’ statement, Kang described their view of a barista’s role.
“The role of a barista is not just to deliver ... coffee to the customer..., but also being able to make that connection,” they said. “And you never know – sometimes it might be the only interaction they have here that day or it might be one that really lifts their spirits for the day. And being able to deliver that Starbucks experience encompasses connection and coffee – not just the coffee part but being able to be consistently kind. No matter who it is, everyone deserves to have that.”
Music was one of Kang’s passions.
Outside of Starbucks, Kang was a turntablist and mobile DJ who performed at many venues and events.
Kang was also a member of the Tabletutors DJ Community, which describes itself as a place where like-minded individuals gathered to help each other learn and to grow the DJ art.
“On behalf of TableTutors and Ladies 1st, we’re completely heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend, Holly. She was a bright light in our community, welcoming and warm to everyone she met, and always willing to lend a helping hand,” said posts by Table Tutors and Ladies 1st posts on Instagram. “Her passion for DJ’ing was evident in every gig and performance – Holly never gave anything less than 100 per cent. Her legacy lives on in every student and every person she’s touched in the DJ community and beyond.”
A celebration of life for Holly Kang (aka DJ Holla Holly) is taking place on Sunday, June 30 from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Birdhouse, 44 West Fourth Ave. in Vancouver.
