We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Morales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for conVIDA Cocktail Lounge was born from a deeply personal and emotional place. It all started when my son asked me to start a business that I could eventually leave for my children—a legacy they could be proud of and continue for generations. This request sparked something in me, pushing me to think about what truly mattered and what kind of business could embody both my passion and my family’s history.

One day, while sifting through old family photos, I came across a picture that stopped me in my tracks. It was a photo of my father holding my oldest brother in front of his home bar inside their New York apartment in the 1950s. The scene was timeless—the mid-century furniture, the elegant bar setup, the way my father looked so proud and content. It transported me back to the era when my mom would host cocktail parties, the laughter, the music, and the sense of community that filled their home. It was a moment frozen in time that encapsulated so much of what I wanted to bring into the world.

Seeing that photo, I knew instantly that I wanted to recreate that feeling. The idea of a 1960s mid-century bar wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about honoring my family’s legacy and bringing a slice of that era back to life. I realized that this wasn’t just a bar I was creating—it was a living memory, a space where people could connect, celebrate, and feel at home, just like my parents did back then.

I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it was more than just a business; it was a story, a tribute to a time when life seemed simpler, and connections were more genuine. The logic was rooted in the idea that people crave authenticity, and what could be more authentic than a bar inspired by my own family’s history? I felt that there was a gap in the market for a place that wasn’t just about the drinks but about the experience, the ambiance, and the stories that came with it.

What got me most excited was the opportunity to offer something unique—a mid-century gin bar that not only served expertly crafted cocktails but also transported people back to an era that many remember fondly or wish they could have experienced. I wasn’t just solving a problem; I was offering an experience that was both personal and universal, a space where people could make memories while honoring the past.

From that moment, I was driven by the vision of what conVIDA Cocktail Lounge could become, and I knew deep down that this was the right path. It was more than just a business—it was a legacy, a dream, and a way to connect with others through the timeless art of hospitality.

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’m Jess Morales, the CEO and founder of conVIDA Cocktail Lounge, the first and only gin bar in Puerto Rico that is both woman-owned and Latina-owned. My journey in the hospitality industry spans 30 years, starting as a waitress and later evolving into a food & beverage consultant. conVIDA was inspired by my love for mid-century cocktail culture, which I inherited from my parents. The idea to open a 1960s-inspired gin bar came from a photo of my father standing proudly beside his wet bar in his New York apartment in the 1950s. My mother’s favorite drink, gin with grapefruit juice, sparked my interest in gin and helped shape the concept of the bar.

conVIDA is not just a bar; it’s a space that reflects my values of inclusivity, community, and quality. We focus on creating a welcoming environment for everyone, particularly women and the LGBTIQA community. Our staff is trained in diversity and inclusion, we ensure that all guests feel like they’re in the comfort of their own living room. We also support local businesses by sourcing ingredients and products from women-owned companies and sustainable farms, which aligns with our mission to boost the local economy and promote ethical practices.

Our gin-based cocktails are crafted with care, using local ingredients to create something truly unique. We’re always innovating, with a rotating menu that keeps things exciting while maintaining the consistency and balance that our customers love. What sets conVIDA apart is the attention to detail, from the cocktail recipes to the experience we provide to our guests.

Beyond the bar, I’m passionate about empowering other women in the industry. I’m currently developing a workshop to help women start their own bars, offering guidance and education to make their dreams a reality. conVIDA has also been involved in business cohorts like the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. and the Feed the Soul Foundation, helping us continue to grow and evolve.

At conVIDA, we don’t just serve cocktails—we create a space where everyone feels welcome, cared for, and connected. I want potential clients to know that when they visit conVIDA, they’ll experience more than just a drink—they’ll experience the warmth, comfort, and community that makes our lounge feel like home.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most powerful stories from my journey is how we bounced back after a devastating kitchen fire at conVIDA Cocktail Lounge. It was a difficult time—we had to close our doors for a month while we assessed the damage and made necessary repairs. The loss of income and the uncertainty of how long we’d be closed was stressful. I remember feeling overwhelmed, wondering how we would recover.

But what happened next truly showed me the strength of the community we had built. Our guests, who had come to love conVIDA not just for the cocktails but for the sense of belonging, stepped up in ways I couldn’t have imagined. They didn’t just offer kind words—they showed up with their hands and hearts. People volunteered to help with the clean-up, scrubbing floors and painting walls. Others donated materials, supplies, and even money to help cover some of the costs.

It was humbling to see how much conVIDA meant to our guests, and their support gave us the energy and hope to keep going. What could have been a disaster became an opportunity to rebuild, and we came back stronger than ever. The fire wasn’t just a challenge; it was a reminder that conVIDA is more than a business—it’s a community. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of human connection and resilience, and it’s something I carry with me every day.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe what helped build conVIDA’s reputation within the market is a combination of authenticity, consistency, and community engagement. First and foremost, we stay true to who we are—a mid-century, 1960s-inspired gin bar that reflects my personal story and family heritage. Our guests appreciate the genuine connection between the bar’s theme and my life, which brings a unique, personal touch to everything we do.

Consistency has also been key. From day one, we’ve prioritized delivering high-quality cocktails that are well-balanced and made with local ingredients. This focus on excellence, paired with attentive service, has created trust with our customers. People know that when they come to conVIDA, they can expect not just a great drink but an overall memorable experience, time after time.

Finally, our active involvement in the community has been essential. We go beyond just serving drinks—we host events like cocktail classes for women, themed parties, and gatherings that promote inclusivity. conVIDA has also made a conscious effort to support local, women-owned businesses, which resonates with our guests. Our efforts to make the bar a welcoming space for all, especially the LGBTIQA community, show that we’re not just here to run a business but to be a part of something bigger.

Building a strong reputation didn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of staying true to our values, treating every guest like they matter, and creating a space that feels like home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.convidapr.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/convidapr
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/convidapr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convida-cocktail-lounge
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehouseofgin
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/convida-cocktail-lounge-caguas
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/convidapr/

Image Credits

Artistic Compose