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In this episode of the "Bottoms Up" podcast, Joshua Davis interviews Aaron Sparks, focusing on Aaron's journey from the music industry to becoming a prominent figure in the bartending world. They discuss the importance of black creatives telling their stories and Aaron's challenges in transitioning from a traditional job to bartending, emphasizing the significance of education and branding in establishing a successful mobile bartending service. Aaron shares his experiences with business planning, the impact of his unique marketing strategy involving his hairstyle, and the role of industry events like Camp Runamok and Portland Cocktail Week in his professional growth. The conversation also touches on the importance of collaboration over competition among black men in the industry and the need for accountability and mental health awareness. The episode concludes with light-hearted discussions on cultural topics and Aaron's upcoming retirement from the bartending scene.

This episode is brought to you by Josh Davis, otherwise known as Mr. Mixologist

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J’Nai Angelle, is a bartender and cocktail & spirits educator who is recognized as "NOLA’s favorite virtual bartender" by Where Y’at NOLA Magazine and “NOLA’s Finest Bartender by Essence magazine. A proud native of New Orleans, Louisiana, she holds a degree from LSU and brings over a decade of bartending expertise to the table. Her journey spans various bar settings, from college and dive bars to fine dining establishments and dessert bars. Along the way, she's competed in prestigious bartending events such as the NOLA Bourbon Fest Bourbon Brawl, Espolon Cocktail Fights, and Speed Rack. Most recently, my cocktail “Seafood on a Saturday” was featured in Essence magazine and the cocktail book “A Quick Drink.”

She and Josh sat down to talk about all this and more! Like, subscribe and download on all streaming platforms

This episode is brought to you by Josh Davis, otherwise known as Mr. Mixologist

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@BottomsUpWithMrMixxPod

@BrownAndBalanced

@MrMixologist

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Turning Tables is a nonprofit organization based in New Orleans. It is dedicated to transforming the hospitality industry by providing mentorship, cultivating leadership, and creating career pathways while advocating for equity. Their vision is to establish a hospitality sector in New Orleans and beyond that is a model of inclusivity, diversity, and equity.

Two-thirds of the leadership team at Turning Tables, Toure (@alovesupreme) and Ariel (@leiraknowscocktails), sat down with Josh for a lively conversation filled with laughter, valuable advice, and essential information about New Orleans!

This episode is brought to you by Josh Davis, otherwise known as Mr. Mixologist

Follow us on Instagram

@BottomsUpWithMrMixxPod

@BrownAndBalanced

@MrMixologist