This is my dream! I want to paint and share happiness with people who are lacking tools to grow. I feel like painting to me is my opportunity for self growth and inner development. So I want to share that. We need to glow as a collective and not be so separate and dis connected. In learning about myself, I have had profound awe-ha moments and some magical shifts. So sharing hope with others, especially young women is part of my vision. In my search for inner love and awareness I have found many fascinating and incredible traits, behaviors, and so many rehearsed muscle memory (both physical an ..read more

A few days ago, I was speaking with my mentor @siobhan0323 about fears I was having that I think are holding me back about becoming successful and she said the most remarkable statement to me. She said “We already see the Greatness in you.” In that moment I Felt what I would describe as a small, super loving, ecstatic firework in my mind. Something that filled me up and said WoooaHH If they already see it I should See it. So this is me seeing it y’all✨‍♀️ Every single day, when I wake up, the first thing I do is say ‘thank you!’ In my loop of thoughts and to dos for the morning I go over my E ..read more

As this post-Covid-19 reopening stages begin to happen, my gratitude for being around people, has increased tremendously. With this pandemic, for me, brought a roller coaster of emotions I had never been on before. In the first two weeks, I could not believe how incredibly sad I was. I was disconnected, lonely, and really in the dark about my future. One truth about who I am, stands out to me the most. When I am in that awful, emotional-life questioning space, at the bottom of the moutain so-to-speak, that’s when I realize there is only one way to go. More often than not, it is these moments ..read more

I don't think I am the only one who has gone on the emotional rollercoaster during the pandemic. I have probably been on this ride more in this 66 days than I have in the last 7 years. One thing we learn, when we tune in, is that at that source of extreme sadness and feelings of loss, bring us to the base of our new journey. If the only constant is change, then keeping my mind open and positive will help me overcome the unknown challenges that are ahead of me. There have been some very big ideas that have crossed my mind over these two months. How can I overcome the struggle of our industry m ..read more

Hello all! I’m Dana! I am a bartender and hospitality lifer. l I enjoy the opportunity for genuine connections we might not have had otherwise. We become mini pillars to our communities and neighborhoods. It is such a beautiful luxury of our field. I live in a positive headspace and thrive on helping others. Hospitality, restaurants and bars especially, have held my heart for 19 years. People in the industry just know our culture; the way we operate is quite different from many other industries. There is this known, but indescribable ease and acceptance when we meet “one our own.” Regulars, in ..read more

Thank you to all of these Foundations, Organizations, Initiatives and Individuals for finding me and helping me in the time of crisis. How unbelievable is our industry? An entire world of people who continue to give to each other. The instant family connection is my absolute favorite part of hospitality. The relationships we create are priceless. DONATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED TO HELP MY INDUSTRY INITIATIVE ,paypal.me/gratefulbartender https://www.usbgfoundation.org/ leeinitiative.org Jamesbeard.org redmoonmarket.com Anotherroundanotherrally.org  Fashionnova.com  https://mccpppo ..read more

The light bulb turned on for me at the beginning of the 6th week of the lockdown in California. The reality of my industry bouncing back like the "old days" began to set in. The outlook for reopening America seems a little farther away than I have planned for. Then the other lightbulb turned on. If I am in this state of financial affairs, how are some of my co-industry family members surviving? What will they do? More importantly, What can I do? I am not just a Bartender #ihaveanidea #newnormnewstandards #hospitalityindustry #serviceindustry #cocktails #saveourindustry #liquor #beer #craft #in ..read more

“We are all just one hello away from being friends!” The connections we make at our local watering holes all over the world are priceless. Being a people person and an enthusiast about well ran establishments, I sincerely value all facets of Hospitality. Regulars to bartenders, regulars to regulars, performers to bartenders, cocktail servers to busser, runner to host, kitchen to doormen, management to vendors, vendors to promoters, promoters to djs, djs to the people, people back to the bartender, bartender to vendor, vendor back to management back to ... We are gifted with the opportunity to ..read more

I am originally from San Bernardino. I moved to San Diego in 2004, right after I graduated from high school. I went to a private school called the Design Institute of San Diego, where I graduated with a BA Degree in Interior Design. I graduated in 2008, right after the recession hit. I had worked at a bar/restuarant for all four years so I had a job when I finished school... just not what I was applying for. While trying to find any work related to my field of study, I continued to work in at least one restaurant or bar. After many interviews, commutes, energy and disappointment, I realized I ..read more

Remembering names, drinks, and facts about our guests and regulars always help bartenders stand out! ,Energy is a real component of what we do! Happy people attract happy people! Our vibe can set the tone of any given experience! Tapping into the energies around us, and learning to use them, is one of the biggest gifts the Bar has taught me. Becoming aware of how I speak to myself was where my real journey began. Positive Self-Talk has changed everything about my life. #bartender #bartenders #barbabes #georgeclooney #casamigos #randegerber #dreamscometrue #believeitachieveit #yourvibeattract ..read more