We recently connected with Camille Whitworth and have shared our conversation below.

Camille , appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

In the early stages, my partner, Sidney Webb, and I were suddenly unable to get some of the essential ingredients for our signature cocktails, and there were constant delays in getting our specialty bar tools and glassware. I remember one particularly stressful weekend where we had a fully booked night of cocktail classes, and the syrups and garnishes we needed to make some of our most popular drinks simply didn’t arrive.

In that moment, it felt like we were up against a wall. We were worried about disappointing our customers, especially because our classes are hands-on and interactive, and people come with high expectations to learn and taste New Orleans culture. We knew we had to find a solution quickly.

We resolved the issue by getting creative. Instead of canceling, we worked with our team to develop new variations of our classic cocktails using ingredients we could source locally. We created a story around each new drink to tie into the rich culture of New Orleans, so our customers still had an authentic experience. We also learned to keep an emergency stock of essential supplies on hand, just in case. That situation not only taught us the importance of being adaptable but also how crucial it is to build strong relationships with local suppliers.

Looking back, it was a stressful but ultimately rewarding experience. It pushed us to think outside the box, and we came out stronger as a team. It also reinforced the idea that in this business, being flexible and resourceful is key to keeping things running smoothly.

Camille , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

We are Camille Whitworth and Sidney Webb, and we own Baroness on Baronne, a cocktail Lounge and restaurant in the heart of downtown New Orleans. Our journey into this industry is a blend of passion for hospitality, culture, and storytelling. Camille started out in journalism and public relations, which gave me a deep appreciation for the power of stories, and in New Orleans, so much of our culture is told through food and drink. We have always been captivated by how a great cocktail can tell a story, whether it’s rooted in tradition or something entirely new.
Sidney has deep Caribbean roots and uses his cultural influence to add flavor and charm. With a background as a mariner, his skills in hospitality are critical to the businesses success.

Baroness on Baronne was born out of our love for the city’s rich history and our desire to offer a space that felt approachable yet sophisticated—a place where locals and visitors alike could gather to enjoy craft cocktails and great food while experiencing the essence of New Orleans.

At Baroness, we offer more than just drinks. We provide an experience. Our most popular offering is our interactive cocktail classes through our other business, New Orleans Drink Lab. People come from all over to learn how to craft classic New Orleans cocktails, like the Sazerac and Hurricane, in a hands-on way that brings the city’s vibrant culture to life. The classes are fun, educational, and a perfect way to immerse yourself in New Orleans, whether you’re a local or a tourist.

What sets us apart is our dedication to creating an authentic and fun atmosphere, with an emphasis on personalized experiences. Every cocktail we create is crafted with attention to detail, often inspired by the city’s history or a seasonal event. Our guests don’t just come in to have a drink; they leave with a memory.

We are also proud of the community we’ve built around Baroness on Baronne. We host events, competitions, and even pop-ups that bring together cocktail enthusiasts and small businesses. I’m passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs, and it’s something I weave into everything we do. Our product line, including our cocktail book “Drink Like a Local New Orleans” and our house made candied pecans, allows us to showcase local flavors and provide customers with a little piece of the city they can take home.

The main thing we want potential guests and followers to know about Baroness on Baronne is that we are about more than just drinks—we are about connection, culture, and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re stopping by for a cocktail, attending a class, or enjoying one of our gourmet small plates, you’re stepping into a place where the spirit of New Orleans thrives.

What we love most is that we’ve built a brand that authentically represents this city we love, and that we’ve been able to adapt and grow despite the challenges the hospitality industry has faced in recent years. Every success is a team effort, and we are incredibly proud of the community we’ve created.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Sidney Webb and I first crossed paths through our mutual passion for New Orleans and the hospitality industry. We were both involved in the local food and beverage scene in different ways—me with my focus on storytelling through cocktails and hospitality, and Sidney with a deep knowledge of New Orleans culture and his unique culinary traditions. What really brought us together was our shared vision to create a space that not only celebrated New Orleans but also served as a platform for bringing people together through authentic experiences.

From the beginning, we clicked because we both understood the importance of creating something unique that stayed true to the spirit of the city. Sidney’s expertise in local flavors and ingredients perfectly complemented my background in branding, public relations, and crafting customer experiences. It was clear early on that we had the potential to build something special together, and that’s how Baroness on Baronne came to life.

What makes our partnership work is our shared values—we both care deeply about community, quality, and the experiences we offer. We each bring something different to the table, but our complementary strengths have allowed us to grow Baroness into a business that’s both creative and grounded in the rich culture of New Orleans.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There are several books, tools, and resources that have significantly impacted our approach to management and entrepreneurship. One that stands out is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It helped us understand the value of being adaptable and always iterating on ideas, especially in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry like hospitality. The concept of continuously testing and refining based on real customer feedback has been key to how we’ve grown and evolved at Baroness on Baronne.

Another book that deeply influenced us is “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. It emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of trust and safety within your team, which resonates with our leadership style. We have found that fostering a sense of community among staff not only boosts morale but also leads to better experiences for our customers.

In terms of ongoing development, we regularly use the Headway app, which offers bite-sized summaries of leadership and business books. It’s a fantastic tool for staying updated and learning new strategies without getting bogged down in lengthy texts. Through Headway, we’ve been able to quickly absorb key insights from books like “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott and “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown, which focus on authentic leadership and effective communication.

Lastly, we also draw inspiration from podcasts like “How I Built This” by Guy Raz. Hearing the stories of other entrepreneurs—how they navigated challenges and built their brands from the ground up—has been incredibly motivating and a great reminder that the entrepreneurial journey is full of ups and downs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Baronessnola.com
• Instagram: @baronessnola
• Facebook: Baronessnola
• Twitter: @baronessnola
• Yelp: Baroness on Baronne

Image Credits

Photo Cred: Seth Broussard