We were lucky to catch up with Jsleep The People’s Bartender recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jsleep, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I’ve been a natural born hustler since I was a kid. selling candy, juices, sports cards, taking out neighbor’s trash etc etc. and ultimately I give thanks to my moms and uncle for showing me various ways to eat off the land. Never one to give off sobs stories, but growing up with the bare minimum teaches you a different type of structure and appreciation for the things you do gain. not in the sense of materialistic but the values of life and the lessons that will last you for a lifetime.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Yerrrp!!! It’s your boy Jsleep, Unofficial HustleGang x Measurements Of Excellence: A Black Bartending Experience. I been professionally bartending closing in on 4 years and it’s been the best time of my life. My style of bartending is based on 3 key factors that I call my “High Quality Content” which are 1) Great Customer Service. 2) Fresh Ingredients and 3) Being knowledgeable and accessible at all times for my guest. With these 3 keys components, I have been able to elevate my personal style bartending to include guest to become their own version of being the “Life of the party” this means educating people about different spirit brands, cocktail recipes and other useful information that they’ll have the opportunity to pass along to others.
At this current moment I’m the Beverage Director for the 1st Black owned Cognac brand in the world called Nyak (s/o to Ric, Dennis and Mr. Patrick), as well as the Research/Development & Production Manager for Musaafer in Houston (s/o to Jubin). I’ve also created cocktail menus and full bar programs for many highly successful restaurants, bars, lounges and clubs not only in Houston, but across the US (s/o to Tre of The Ultimate Kitchen). My team and I are also in the works with a few newly acquired establishments to get them off the ground and running by either the end of the year, but for sure within the 1st quarter of 2024.
Regardless of how hectic my schedule comes off, I’m always focusing on the structure of MoeLife Adult Beverages & Concepts. Whether it’s creating content, teaching classes (basic and elevated bar knowledge), community work, developing my RTDs (Ready To Drink Cocktails) or anything that’s able to take it to the next level. I’m truly a firm believer in “Chances MAKE Champions” and I, Jsleep, will roll the dice EVERY TIME!!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, it’s been not afraid to make mistakes, traveling and putting time into your craft. Some of my best creations came from me making a mistake. Whether it’s from me accidentally adding lime juice when it was suppose to lemon, Tequila when it was suppose to Cognac etc etc. I’ve always tried to capitalize on the unintentional “hmmm..YOLO” and always found myself happy with the end result for the most part.
When some hear me state the word “traveling”, they next response be in the sense of catching flights. but traveling could be you going to a different side of your city and branding yourself accordingly to that particular demographics. I inform guest all the time that we’re our own foreigners within our cities, states and even the entire country. just because I’m from Houston and KNOW about Austin, doesn’t necessarily means I know EVERYTHING about Austin. so why not get out of my comfort zone and go plant myself in their space and see how I can develop an organic relationship with that area that will in terms work in the best interest of both parties.
Lastly, dedication of time towards your craft. Studying, questioning, applying and then repeat. you wanna get into the natural habit of always being in a place of learning and challenging yourself to that next level of greatness. It takes 10,000 hours to become a master of your craft, but a lifetime to continue to be that master for others to learn from.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Taught me the art of being an humble hustler. There’s no such thing as a honest hustler. however, you can be the truest form of a hustler by giving your clients great quality within a product that’s near and dear to your heart. My moms always taught me “give people the opportunity to know the true you. uncut, raw and pure. then allow them to make their own decision if they’re going to rock with you or not. never force it. attraction happens naturally.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2023/06/16/2-refreshing-cocktails-for-your-juneteenth-celebration/
- Instagram: moelifendrinks
- Twitter: moedrinks
Image Credits
Izzy Jojo Alex Jsleep
