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

Taylor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

One of the most prominent trends in the cocktail industry that has caught my attention is the rising demand for mocktails. Some might view this trend as seemingly unnecessary, but I believe it presents an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of flavors and refine one’s palate. A recent experience as a private bartender at an event perfectly encapsulates this trend’s emergence. At the event, I was tasked with creating a mocktail, and I decided to put my spin on the classic Aperol Spritz. However, what made this mocktail unique was the addition of a spice and herb bitters, which beautifully enhanced the overall flavor profile. This experience reaffirmed my belief that in the world of mixology, it’s not solely about the alcoholic spirits but also about crafting a rich flavor narrative that resonates with customers. Exploring these non-alcoholic options provides exciting opportunities for creativity and palate development, showcasing the growing significance of mocktails in the industry.

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 entered the cocktail industry by following my creative instincts and passions. Cooking from scratch has always been a source of joy for me, and one day, with a few bottles of alcohol and some ingredients in my fridge, I decided to craft my first cocktail – a muddled strawberry and basil mojito. I created it out of sheer boredom and shared it on my Instagram, where it received a heartwarming response from many people. Encouraged by the positive feedback, I decided to keep the cocktail journey going. Every weekend, I would introduce new cocktails paired with delicious food, and my followers couldn’t get enough.

The turning point came when a friend and I were discussing our shared passions. She suggested that we take things to the next level by joining forces to create a cocktail page, offering an elevated experience for those who preferred enjoying cocktails in the comfort of their own homes. What began as a simple Instagram hobby quickly evolved into a full-blown endeavor, including private bartending services, all thanks to the enthusiastic reception of our Instagram reels.

What truly sets Cocktailsandskirts apart is our commitment to providing every viewer with a unique and memorable experience. In our private events, we take great pride in ensuring that each customer enjoys not only our cocktails but also an atmosphere of genuine hospitality.

While we are still in the process of growing and evolving, what I am most proud of is my decision to persevere even when we didn’t initially see the follower counts or engagement levels we had hoped for. Cocktailsandskirts is not just a venture; it’s my passion project and my baby, and I am thrilled to be able to share it with everyone.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most powerful approach we’ve found to expand our clientele at Cocktailsandskirts has been to consistently talk about our brand – ALWAYS! It required overcoming personal fears, such as embarrassment and nervousness, when it came to asking people to follow, engage, or even casually introducing our venture in conversations with complete strangers.

Many individuals are genuinely interested and eager to support you when you share your passion and enthusiasm for your project. It’s remarkable how an honest and heartfelt conversation can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections. This willingness to put ourselves out there, speak about Cocktailsandskirts with enthusiasm, and engage with others has been instrumental in our journey towards expanding our clientele and building a community of like-minded cocktail enthusiasts.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One valuable lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that I must focus on one thing exclusively. For the longest time, my primary focus was my career in Marketing, and nothing else seemed to matter. However, I gradually realized that this approach left me feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from my personal creative instincts. It dawned on me that it’s perfectly acceptable to explore different interests.

The pivotal shift in my perspective came when I acknowledged the importance of allowing my passions to speak for themselves. I began to embrace the idea that life is more fulfilling when I explore my interests and let my creative instincts flourish. This newfound mindset not only enriched my life but also allowed me to tap into a deeper well of inspiration and self-discovery.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailsandskirts/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorvalentine1995/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=WIxCJUCG1IxUwNAGOyW4LA&utm_source=ishare
• Other: To contact us about private bartending inquiries, please reach out to us at cocktailsandskirts@gmail.com

Image Credits
For the image of the page owners, to the left is Ajea and to the right is myself (Taylor).