Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Morales
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey in the hospitality industry spans over 30 years, beginning as a waitress and evolving into a career as a food and beverage consultant. Along the way, I discovered my passion for creating spaces where guests feel at home and where every detail—from the cocktails to the atmosphere—fosters connection and belonging.
The story of conVIDA Cocktail Lounge is deeply rooted in my family history. My father moved to New York from Puerto Rico at just 17 years old, chasing the American dream of playing baseball for the Yankees. At 19, he met my mother, who had also left Puerto Rico in search of new opportunities. They married in the 1950s, built a life in New York, and had two children before deciding to return to Puerto Rico to reconnect with their roots.
During their time in New York, my parents found creative ways to adapt to the harsh winters they weren’t accustomed to. My mother, a talented seamstress, would sew elaborate dresses for herself and her cousins, and they hosted vibrant cocktail parties in their apartment, gathering friends and family to create warmth and community despite the cold weather. These gatherings, filled with music, laughter, and my father’s wet bar as the centerpiece; pictures from that period left a lasting impression on me.
When I decided to open conVIDA Cocktail Lounge, I knew I wanted to honor that legacy. A photo of my father standing proudly in front of his wet bar inspired the mid-century design and spirit of the lounge. I wanted to create a space where the warmth, elegance, and sense of community that defined their gatherings could live on.
Opening Puerto Rico’s first gin bar has been a labor of love, filled with challenges like surviving a kitchen fire and navigating industry biases. But the support of our community has made every moment worthwhile. conVIDA isn’t just a bar—it’s a tribute to the creativity and resilience of my parents and a space where everyone can feel at home, no matter where they’re from.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the story of conVIDA Cocktail Lounge. Starting a business is never easy, but building Puerto Rico’s first and only gin bar in an industry that isn’t always welcoming to women has been particularly demanding.
One of our biggest challenges was surviving a kitchen fire that forced us to close for a month. It was a devastating experience, but it also showed us the incredible power of community. Our guests rallied around us, offering hands-on help and donations to get us back on our feet. Their support reminded us why we do what we do and motivated us to come back stronger.
As a woman in the food and beverage industry, I’ve also faced discrimination, misogyny, and microaggressions. It can be exhausting to constantly prove yourself in an environment where biases persist, but I’ve learned to let my work speak for itself. The quality of our cocktails, the inclusivity of our space, and the connection we build with our guests have always been our greatest strengths.
Add to that the struggles of running a small business during a global pandemic. Navigating shutdowns and adjusting to new ways of operating was a test of resilience, but it also pushed us to innovate and focus on what truly mattered—our guests, our team, and our mission to create a welcoming space for all.
Through it all, I’ve leaned on the lessons I learned from my parents: to stay creative, to adapt, and to find strength in community. Every obstacle has been a chance to grow, and I’m proud of the team and space we’ve built despite the roadblocks along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At conVIDA Cocktail Lounge, my work is a blend of artistry and hospitality. Every detail, from the design of our space to the composition of our cocktails, reflects my passion for creating something unique and beautiful. I see myself not just as a bar owner but as a social-host artist, weaving together flavors, aesthetics, and experiences to tell a story.
We specialize in gin-focused cocktails, each crafted with care and a touch of whimsy. I take pride in balancing classic techniques with modern innovations, drawing inspiration from Puerto Rico’s local ingredients and the mid-century modern era that shaped my parents’ lives. From designing our vintage glassware collection to infusing gins with chamomile or star anise for special creations, every element is intentional and infused with creativity.
Our food follows the same philosophy. Collaborating with my chef, we’ve developed a “retro-modern” menu, reimagining mid-century dishes with a contemporary twist. This approach reflects my love for blending nostalgia with fresh perspectives, creating an experience that feels both timeless and new.
What sets us apart is how deeply personal and artistic conVIDA is. The mid-century aesthetic isn’t just a theme—it’s a tribute to my parents and the cocktail parties they hosted in New York. Designing the lounge allowed me to channel my creative energy, from curating vintage décor to crafting a space where guests feel transported to another era.
I’m most proud of how conVIDA has become an extension of my artistic vision. It’s a canvas where I can experiment, innovate, and express myself, whether through cocktails, themed events, or even our culture book that captures the spirit of our team.
conVIDA Cocktail Lounge is more than a bar; it’s a living work of art, blending history, community, and creativity into every sip and moment.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is the cocktail parties my mom used to host at our house in Puerto Rico. She brought back the vibrant lifestyle she and my father had cultivated in New York, recreating it with incredible attention to detail. From the moment guests arrived, there was a sense of celebration in the air—a perfect blend of elegance and warmth.
My mother was the heart of these gatherings. As a talented seamstress, she often wore beautiful dresses she had sewn herself, sometimes creating matching outfits for my brothers. She poured so much love into preparing the food, from savory appetizers to exquisite desserts, making sure everything was just right.
The centerpiece of the evening was a Victrola—a beautiful piece that was both a record player and a bar. My father would carefully select records to play, filling the house with the sounds of salsa, boleros, “tríos” music and other timeless tunes that set the perfect mood for the evening. The Victrola was more than just furniture; it became a symbol of their lifestyle, where music, cocktails, and good company seamlessly blended. Guests would gather around, chatting, laughing, and enjoying the drinks my father served with pride, ensuring everyone felt welcome and at home.
The furniture and glassware my mother brought back from New York added to the charm. Each piece told a story of their life in New York and became part of the experience she so lovingly recreated.
I grew up admiring my parents’ hospitality. My mother’s eye for detail and culinary talent combined with my father’s ability to bring people together over music and conversation created something truly special. It wasn’t just about entertaining; it was about making people feel at home and creating memories.
These moments are the inspiration behind conVIDA Cocktail Lounge. My parents taught me the art of hospitality—not just in the food or drinks but in the atmosphere and connection. Every cocktail, every playlist, and every detail at conVIDA is a tribute to those evenings, where music and community came together to create magic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://convidapr.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convidapr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/convidapr/
Image Credits
Robert Alvarez Photography
Artistic Compose