Who doesn’t like going out and having a few cocktails with friends? Have you ever thought about the person behind the bar serving those delicious drinks? What’s their life like, while mixing and pouring those amazing drinks that put us in a good mood? Well, rolling out got a chance to chat with ReShanda Seymour, owner of The Perfect Bartender. She shares tips on starting a great business, dealing with customers, and why she started her fabulous bartending company. –tammie reedWhy did you launch The Perfect Bartender?
I was bartending at a local club and would get several requests to bartend for different private parties and events. After doing a few, I saw the need for personal bartending services and wanted to fill the void, so The Perfect Bartender was created.
Women are launching businesses in record numbers. Can you tell us what your experience has been as a business owner, the positive and the negative?
I think the great thing is that it’s yours! It can be very rewarding. There is nothing like having your own. But on the flip side, you work longer, harder and more than everyone else. You make decisions as the owner taking into account that your name is on the line with every decision and you have to have integrity in your work.
What are five key steps to building a successful business?
1. Love what you do and believe in what you are doing even when no one else does. If you don’t, it will show.
2. Learn as much about your craft as possible; education is key.
3. Stay humble
4. Know your worth and the worth of your craft.
5. Learn every part of your company, you should be able to do it all.
What’s a popular cocktail right now, and can you share the recipe?
This time of year peaches are really popular, so my top drink of choice is a peach cocktail. I like to call it The Perfect Peach. It is muddled peaches, 2 ounces of vodka, 1/2 ounce of peach schnapps, cranberry juice and a splash of OJ. Add ice, shake [and] top with a peach slice.
How do you handle difficult clients?
Well, my job is for everyone to have a great time but not go over their limit — even when they don’t know what their limit is [laughs]. … The only time I have people get angry with me is because I have cut them off and I feel comfortable [about that] because you may be mad with me now, but I could have saved you from a DUI — or even worse, a car accident — and for that I feel pretty good.
