We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diesha Banner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diesha below.

Hi Diesha, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Over the past 10 years, I have been deeply engaged in the mixology and bartending space, an industry historically dominated by white males, with limited opportunities for the advancement and recognition of people of color. My journey into this industry began as a quest for additional income while working in the non-profit sector as a single mother. I was determined to provide my son with the opportunities he deserved despite our challenging circumstances. However, as I delved deeper, I discovered a profound love for the culture and endless opportunities offered. This passion led me to transition from working part-time to becoming a full-time entrepreneur, dedicated to creating memorable and exceptional experiences for my clients

As I continue to deepen my knowledge and expertise in this industry, I am committed to being the best I can be for my clients. I firmly believe that representation matters, especially in an industry where African American contributions have historically been undervalued. I humbly wish to continue to support for the contributions, wine, spirits, and mixers lines created and elevated by people of color.

I aspire to inspire other individuals, especially those who look like me, to recognize that they too can find success in this industry. My ultimate goal is to be a role model for young men and women of color and show them that “Bartending Pays my Bills” is a statement within their reach.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve spent most of my career working in the non-profit sector, a true labor of love, but one that is often underfunded. As a single mom, I wanted to find ways to supplement my income so I wouldn’t have to keep telling my son what we couldn’t do. He’s always been a good kid who deserved experiences and opportunities and honestly, so did I.

I noticed friends bartending and decided to inquire. Eventually, I enrolled in bartending school and completed the program, though I didn’t do much with it initially. Later, I began working with a few staffing agencies, which gave me flexibility to be present for my son’s special events while also increasing our cash flow.

Over time, I discovered that I genuinely enjoyed being behind the bar along with the creativity, the energy, and the connection it fostered. That’s when I started to take a closer look at the business side of things. I noticed how much money was being poured into events compared to what was actually reaching the people working them. That realization sparked something in me. Like what if I could do this on my own terms?

I started small: mixing drinks for friends, researching the industry, and connecting with others through networking opportunities. I balanced it part-time until the pandemic hit. After being laid off and transitioning from a partnership to a solo venture, I decided to bet on myself fully and turn my passion into my career.

Since then, I’ve immersed myself in the hospitality and beverage community joining the USBG, attending conferences across the country, and building relationships with others who share this passion. It’s been an incredible journey of growth, creativity, and connection and I’m proud of how far this path has taken me.

I am the owner and founder of A Glass Above Mobile Mixology and beverage catering firm. A Glass Above is unique in that we are more than a beverage service, we are curators of an experience. Our immersive bar setups, professional licensed team, and commitment to thoughtful customization transform events into opportunities for joy, connection, and community. Every sip is crafted with intention, and every celebration is an invitation to build memories that last well beyond the glass. We guide our clients into the celebrations they won’t soon forget!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that, in order for things to get done… and done right… I had to do them all myself. That belief came from past experiences where I felt solely responsible for outcomes, especially as a single mom and business owner.

But as I’ve grown, I had to learn to trust that the people I work with are capable, that what I’ve shared with them is enough, and that if they need clarification, they’ll seek it; This lesson even extends to my relationship with my son. He’s a young adult now, and I’ve transitioned from being the doer to being more of an advisor. I’m fully trusting that he’ll take what he’s learned, make his own choices, and grow from them.. I eventually realized that holding on to that mentality only limited my growth.

Teams are amazing in ways you can’t do alone. They bring ideas, perspectives, and creativity that expand your vision beyond what you might have imagined. Growth happens when you collaborate and build community. That’s where innovation and growth really happen.

Building a business is hard work and everyone is not your customer.. and that’s okay. Focusing on people who truly see the value in what you do is what drives engagement and success. Those are the people who will invest in your work, respect your craft, and help you keep going. By focusing on the key people who do recognize your worth, invest in your services, and engage with your work, you thrive, grow, and continue doing what you love. They don’t see it as “JUST” …(fill in the blank) The value add is a large portion of the service industry which I’m a part of.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

When I first started, there weren’t many services like mine locally, especially run by people who looked like me. I knew I had to be intentional about finding my place and learning from others. I’ve always been a bit of a geek, so I immediately started researching the industry and the entrepreneurial landscape. If I was going to have a business, I wanted to do it well. It had to be done.thoughtfully, intentionally, and professionally.

I realized quickly how much there was to learn. I enrolled in business incubators, showed up consistently at networking events, and really listened to the needs of the community I wanted to serve. I also connected with people in the hospitality space, both locally and beyond by virtually, asking questions, seeking advice, and attending conferences to learn what I didn’t yet know. I’ve always kept the mindset of a student. As they say, “You don’t know what you don’t know.”

This industry might be non-traditional, but it’s full of opportunities to make a real impact. We get to be part of so many important moments — weddings, corporate events, birthdays, births, celebrations of life, business launches — you name it. By being intentional, listening to our clients, and bringing their visions to life in ways that elevate the experience, I’ve been able to build a reputation that people trust. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and caring deeply about the moments we help create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aglassabove.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aglassabove_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helloaglassabovellc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diesha-banner/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelyladidi

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