3 ways my hospitality career shaped me.

An introvert with extrovert traits.

My hospitality career has spanned over 27 years.

The introduction to that universe was made by my boyfriend when I was about 18.

He was working as a waiter at a local piano bar next door to a sports bar/ nightclub was opening.

That nightclub gave me a hostess job.

Eventually moving up to a shot girl.

Bartender by 21. ( I stepped in as bouncer from time to time ).

Assistant manager around 22–23.

Little did most people know, I was actually a really ‘shy’.

An ‘Introvert’ in todays’ society.

If my boyfriend at the time didn’t push me into applying at that bar I would have never dared.

I am glad he did.

Who knows if I would of be the same happy hippie I am today?

These are 3 ways being in the hospitality universe shaped me.

#1

I became more open minded.

Interacting with different people from all over the world doesn’t leave a lot of room for judgement.

I got up close glimpse into intimate lives of folks extremely foreign to me.

My horizon expanded thanks to my co-workers.

#2

Wanderlust was ignited in me after working at seasonal establishments.

My family didn’t travel that much.

I digress…

The family puttered around the Carolinas a bit in my formative years. We visited my moms’ home country of Trinidad and Tobago a couple of times. But, by the time my teenage years came around; ‘vacation’ was just a song on the radio.

Meeting all these beautiful people from all over the globe that come here to work different seasons is magical.

Plus, it was a good way to dip my toe into solo-traveling, because I knew someone in the country.

Kicking culture shock dial down to 1.

#3

I have developed a never-ending curiosity for life.

I formalized a knowledge of good wine.

Heighten my taste pallet.

Even organization has become a thing in my life!

All the while, walking my own path because of the encouragement of acquaintances and strangers.

I am energized by how others lived.

Grateful for my continuous lessons for growth.

My time as a bartender/server opened my world to the world.

All while being an introvert.

Thank you for letting me share.

Be kind. Be well. Smile.