We recently connected with Michael “daddy Long Legs” George and have shared our conversation below.

Michael “Daddy Long Legs”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Since I was a kid, my imagination has always been wild and vivid. I’d create elaborate adventures to entertain my grandparents, bring my video games to life in our living room, and craft the most intricate mud pies I could manage.

In third grade, I was certain I’d become a writer. I dreamed of writing books about the towering skyscrapers that surrounded me in Chicago. Every visit to Downtown left me mesmerized by their height, and even today, they still captivate me. By the time I was 10, I was writing poetry and short stories. My teachers would often rave to my parents during report card pickups about the tales I spun: stories of three middle school ninjas living in the hood, a never-ending hallway, or cats that lived inside the TV. I was always coming up with something to escape reality.

In fifth grade, I discovered drama. I participated in a school play and fell in love with the idea of spending my life on stage. Entertaining family and friends had always been a passion, so the thought of captivating an audience of hundreds or even thousands felt like a dream. After the play, I was cast in a short film by my drama teacher, who believed the sibling chemistry we displayed in the play would be perfect for her project. We rehearsed for weeks, filming all over Chicago’s South and West sides. The premiere was at a movie theater near my cousin’s house, and I was thrilled for my family to see it. That day remains unforgettable, though it also marked the end of my acting career.

Not long after saying goodbye to the stage, I fell in love with cooking, thanks to an afterschool program at Gallery 37 in Downtown Chicago. From the moment I stepped into that kitchen, I knew I wanted to be a chef. I continued taking classes whenever I could and spent hours watching cooking shows on the Food Network with my mom, especially Emeril Lagasse and Down Home with the Neelys. At sixteen, I began baking, making brownies and cookies for every friend and family member’s birthday. Even though I used boxed mixes, I was proud and excited. After high school, I pursued culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu Chicago, a place I had dreamed of attending since I was young. I got accepted, and the rest is history.

I can’t pinpoint exactly when I decided to pursue a creative path professionally. As far back as I can remember, I was simply doing what I found fun and exciting. That same energy fuels me today. My creativity flows through many mediums: baking and pastry, mixology, fashion, music, poetry, public speaking, and more. I see myself as a multi-hyphenate, where each of my creative expressions overlaps and informs the others. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Michael “Daddy Long Legs”, 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?

I am a 30-year-old Black, Queer, and Non-Binary hospitality professional whose creative expression is not just a part of who I am—it is the very essence of my being. My pronouns are he/she/they, and with over a decade of experience in pastry and eight years mastering the art of craft bartending, I channel my passion to uplift and shine a spotlight on the communities that I represent.

Originally hailing from the vibrant streets of Chicago, Illinois, I’ve since made Salt Lake City, Utah, my home—a place where I proudly defy societal norms and standards. I’ve chosen authenticity over conformity, and in doing so, I’m blazing a trail not just for myself but for other BIPOC and Queer multi-hyphenates, especially in the beverage industry.

My journey is adorned with accolades that reflect my dedication and creativity: I’m a 2023 Black Manhattan Project Champion, a 2023 Punch Drink’s Best New Bartender Semifinalist, a 2024 Imbibe 75er, and a 2024 Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender 3rd Place Finalist. My work and voice have echoed through platforms such as the Bean to Barstool Podcast, Indie Alaska with PBS, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, and the Toronto Cocktail Conference, among others.

As the founder and owner of Diversity and Authenticity Haus, a BIPOC and Queer-focused artist collective, I’m deeply committed to creating safe spaces where marginalized creatives can connect, celebrate, and collaborate. Through events and programming, we’re fostering an environment where diversity thrives and authenticity reigns. While recipe and menu curation remains at the heart of my work, I’m now expanding into event planning and public speaking, ready to amplify voices that need to be heard and continue breaking barriers in this industry.

My life’s work is about more than just mixing drinks or creating desserts—it’s about crafting a legacy of authenticity and empowerment, where creativity knows no bounds, and every person is celebrated for who they are.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

What brings me the most joy is inspiring others. There’s something profoundly humbling about knowing that when people see my work or hear my story, they find a piece of themselves within it. It’s in those moments that I feel deeply aligned with my purpose. As creatives and artists, we’re the ones who move the world forward. We set trends, shape cultures, and push boundaries, allowing others to live more openly and authentically. Our lives are a series of bold risks, met with either love or misunderstanding, but always driven by the desire to express truth.

Beyond inspiration, we challenge people to see the world—and each other—through new lenses. Our work isn’t just about beauty or innovation; it’s about opening hearts and minds to possibilities they hadn’t considered before. That’s the power of creativity—it connects, transforms, and liberates. And being a part of that is the greatest privilege I could ever ask for.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, society has a crucial role to play in nurturing and supporting artists and creatives. It’s not just about throwing money at the problem but creating an environment where creativity can truly thrive. First off, we need to recognize that everyone’s got a bit of creativity in them. Society’s full of diverse thoughts and ideas, and tapping into that requires more than just the occasional shoutout. We all make choices every day that impact our lives, and that’s what creativity is about—just some people have a different way of expressing it.

To really support artists and foster a vibrant creative ecosystem, society should encourage and celebrate all kinds of creative expressions. Create more spaces where people can showcase their work, from galleries to pop-up events to online platforms. Offer opportunities for collaboration and learning—like workshops and mentorship programs—that help creatives push their boundaries. And let’s not forget the power of inspiration: promote access to diverse experiences, whether it’s through books, nature, movies, or community events.

Also, it’s important to support creatives who are stepping outside the box. Embrace the risk-takers and rule-breakers, because they’re the ones pushing us all forward. By creating environments where experimentation is encouraged and failure isn’t feared, we help build a culture where creativity can flourish. Let’s lift each other up and recognize that every creative contribution adds value to the rich tapestry of society.

In short, let’s build a community that not only values creativity but actively supports it in all its forms. When we make space for creativity and nurture it, we’re enriching our world in ways that benefit everyone.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: dessertsandalcohol ; d.n.a.haus
• Youtube: DNAbyMG

Image Credits

– Jacob Tyler Dunn
– Joe Oliver
– Shannon Sturgis
– Jessica Blaine Smith
– Benjamin Kuhns
– Justin Sisson