“My greatest values are creativity, integrity, and community.”

My desire to work in lively and creative spaces guided me back to hospitality. I embraced a career switch when I realized I could connect with my community by sharing my love for bartending.

My knowledge guides

Here’s how it all happened.

I left my job in retail management to take on bartending.

A little while later a new exciting opportunity popped up!

ServER, FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE. 2021

The mountains enchanted me as I explored higher serving standards, working for a company I could see myself growing in. I got to live in a winter wonderland and meet interesting people from all over the world! Although it was fun, it was time to come home.

A little detour...

Advocacy and case management, YWCA Hamilton. 2022

I wanted to take on work in my educational field. I found myself supporting my community members who were navigating through homelessness. I was challenged to lead with compassion which taught me how to de-escalate, respond to emergencies and empower women in challenging situations.

But a piece of me was missing, I was an artist with no outlet.

The creative part

Cocktail Bartending

Bar manager, Berkeley North. 2023

I was juggling bartending at Berkeley North with intensive case management. I loved this role so much I was pushing the limits of my body working 6 long days a week. I was ready to take on more.

I proved myself as a professional as I took on menu creation, day-to-day management and built my leadership skills. I collaborated with industry leaders and expanded my skill set. I increased service standards and created a charming ambiance at an already estabilished local restaurant.

The archives

Oh Snap!

Snap pea infused gin, Strega, Lillet Blanc, saline, expressed lime

FIGGY SMALLS

Fig-cardamom-blood orange juice, scotch, sweet vermouth, lemon

Secret Admirer

Chrysanthemum-pea flower sweet tea, aquafaba, lime, lavender bitters, vanilla tincture

HONEY-DEW, HONEY-DON’T

Honeydew-ginger juice, tequila blancos, mint, lime, cucumber bitters

I think we’ll make a great team.

I’m looking forward to applying myself in a company full of opportunity and passionate people-people. See you at the bar!

Ask my mentor, seasoned beverage director

Alex Herring

alexjamesherring86@gmail.com

My pal, Chef Josh is pretty cool too

Josh Fumo

fumojosh@gmail.com

All photos were taken by Irene Kostichin

@arcadiacollective studios

Let’s grab a drink?