Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ángel Ávila. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ángel , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you ever had an amazing boss? What did you learn from them? Maybe you can share a story that illustrates the kind of boss they were or maybe you can share your thoughts on what you think made them an awesome person to work for?

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have encountered some truly inspiring leaders, but one who
stands out prominently in my mind is Pau Andrés, the Director of Club Matador. Pau’s leadership style has
left an indelible mark on my professional journey, shaping not only my skills but also my perspective on
what it means to lead with excellence.

Pau’s support has been unwavering, extending beyond the confines of the workplace to encompass both
my professional and personal endeavours. One particularly memorable instance was when I expressed
my aspirations to start my own business, BLOW Glassware. Pau not only offered guidance and
encouragement but also provided invaluable insights gleaned from his own entrepreneurial journey. Pau’s
belief in my potential instilled a newfound confidence, propelling me forward as I embarked on this
entrepreneurial venture.
In essence, what truly sets Pau apart is his ability to empower his team. He instills a sense of trust and
confidence that encourages creativity to flourish, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to
excellence.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey in the hospitality industry began many years ago in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, where I
had the privilege of starting my career at the Sofitel SantaClara Hotel. It was here that I first delved into the
world of luxury hotels, igniting a passion that would shape my professional path.
Over the years, I immersed myself in various aspects of hospitality, gaining invaluable experience and
insights along the way. However, it was my time as a bartender in the hotel’s bar that truly captured my
heart and fuelled my fascination with the world of cocktails.
Seeking new horizons, I made the leap to Madrid, Spain, where I had the honor of joining the esteemed
team of the two Michelin Star chef, Paco Roncero. Yet, it was the captivating world of cocktails that
continued to beckon me, leading me to enroll in the first master’s degree in cocktail bar and distillates.

Armed with newfound knowledge and passion, I embarked on a journey through some of Madrid’s most
distinguished cocktail bars, including the esteemed O’clock. However, it was my incorporation to the
prestigious El Club Matador, where gastronomy, culture, and art converge to create an unparalleled
experience, changed my life forever.
One of the challenges I had been encountering in my professional career as Cocktail Specialist was the
lack of distinctive glassware to elevate our cocktail offerings, among the existing suppliers. Therefore, I
embarked on a mission to design and produce bespoke glassware tailored specifically to our needs.

This endeavor gave birth to my company, BLOW Glassware, dedicated solely to crafting unique mouth-
blown pieces for cocktails—a venture driven by a passion for design, craftsmanship, and a deep

understanding of the needs of hospitality professionals.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Navigating the manufacturing process was key for us. While we were responsible for the design finding
the right manufacturing partner was crucial to bringing our vision to life.
Given that our product is handmade, we set out to identify the most reputable factories in Europe with a
rich tradition in craftsmanship. Leveraging our network we were able to find the right partner for us.
However, the journey didn’t end there. Ensuring the quality of the final product and overseeing each step
of the manufacturing process to verify that the end result aligned with our exact quality and design
specifications was pivotal for our brand.
Last but not least, being prepared to navigate external factors beyond our control was also a challenge.
Events like fluctuations in raw material prices and geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict between
Russia and Ukraine can test your resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the obstacles, we remained
steadfast in our commitment to delivering excellence, adjusting our strategies as needed to navigate the
ever-changing landscape.
Ultimately, our journey in manufacturing has been one of continuous learning and growth. It has
reinforced the importance of diligence, perseverance, and adaptability in pursuit of our entrepreneurial
vision.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

My advice as a Manager or what I try to apply on a daily basis in my work is to listen to the team, make
them part of the projects and let them play a leading role so that they feel valuable, seen and considered
by the company. Always show respect for your colleagues, running communication and care for their
mental and personal health.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blowglassware.com
• Instagram: blowglassware

Image Credits
Ángel Ávila Biograpghy picture Samuel Sánchez Glasses Pictures Javier Garceche Ilustrated pictiures Jesús Jimenez Valero