We recently had the chance to connect with Jill Cockson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jill, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m learning from everyone around me. I recently deleted my personal social media accounts in order to be more present in real life. I’m reading more. I have cleared time and brain-space to contemplate the future of hospitality. I don’t have all of the answers, but I have time to formulate the questions, and to converse those whose experience inspires me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I will always identify as a bartender. I’ve been a bartender for 28 years, and an owner for 12. I’ve opened five cocktail bar/hospitality spaces, either as the majority owner, or as an operating partner.
My business plans always center around hospitality as a conduit, from ownership, through staff, to the guest. I refer to this
as holistic hospitality. Small is the new big. Small is sustainable. I believe in doing one thing well, as opposed to attempting to too many things, which usually results in an identity crisis.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Being a true hospitalian is an orientation. That orientation can become toxic to the self. I love to make others happy. Hospitality is about deriving joy from service to others – from treating strangers as friends. I have watched hospitality standards improve in multiple markets, and I am proud to have been a part of that elevation. My goal has always been to improve standards in the hospitality community to better reflect the true definition of the word. In doing so, I have often failed myself. I am learning the importance of self care. I am learning to let go of my urge to always be there for others, or to try to convince them where improvements can be made. They are either there, or they are not.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When was 15 years old, I sustained a permanent disability from a car accident that robbed me of my athletic identity. I was angry. And lost, emotionally. I thought my friends had abandoned me, but the truth is that they were never my friends – I had always been alone. That realization gave me the motivation and courage to graduate ahead of my class, and to begin the process of redefining myself.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That awards are important. That YOU are important. I am not important. Cocktails are not important. What is important is the ability to bring people together – in real life – to share meaningful connection. Yes, that often involves food and beverage, but as soon as you start awarding that element, you’ve missed the point.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I will regret not learning how to let go, sooner. I have worried far too much about things I have no control over.
Contact Info:
- Other: @swordfishtoms.kc
@annasplaceomaha
@chartreusesaloonAll instagram
Image Credits
Zach Bauman – me behind the bar, and photo of the back bar
Devon Mundt – photo of Anna’s Place (red bar)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
