Keyatta Mincey-Parker

The most important lessons I have learned throughout my career:

Working at Trois in Atlanta and meeting Eric Simpkins was very impactful in my career, I was able to see a higher level of craft bartending and learning about technique, spirits, true service, and hospitality.

In 2015, I was written up in an amazing article with 4 other African-American women bartenders, it finally shined a light on me and ladies I adore and am still friends with now.

It's been a struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance, but I had to set strong boundaries and set office hours for myself, so that my team understands not to reach out to me outside of those times unless it's an emergency.

I find inspiration in the garden, in my kids, my husband, and my culture as a Liberian woman.

Being kind is the most important skill to possess in our industry, there is no reason to be in hospitality if you are a jerk, just do us all a favor and don't do it if you are.

I keep my team inspired by checking on them, listening to their long-term goals and offering support and advice when asked.

I truly love this industry, that's a huge part of it, I love it, my circle is very tight, so I lean on them a bit, but my family is probably the biggest inspiration.

Are you a team player, do you work well with others, do you listen to directions, or always feel like you know all the answers?

I am lucky to have access to people that are always sharing knowledge, I read a lot, and learn from pioneers in my industry.

If you are serious about growing in your profession as a bartender, read 'The Drunken Botanist' by Amy Stewart to understand flavors also grab a flavor wheel, 'Imbibe' by David Wondrich to understand some cocktail history, and 'The Craft of the Cocktail' by Dale Degroff to understand technique and service, but beyond that, compete in competitions, find a mentor, meet other bartenders.