Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki P.
Hi Nikki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It was summer of 2013, my roomate and I were having lunch at a restaurant bar. I always enjoyed watching bartenders at work. It seemed like a fun job. I leaned over and told my roommate “I want to be a bartender”. I spoke with some bartenders I had admired and gotten to know about what the best way to get into this industry. I decided to enroll at Maryland Bartending Academy to begin my journey in the bar world. I took a two week crash course and landed my first job at a country club. There is where I fell in love with event bartending. I juggled my new side hustle of bartending as a supplemental income to my full time teaching career. I spent several years under the guidance of a long time head bartender who took me under their wing and showed me the ropes. My mentor began taking me with him to his private parties to bartend with. I loved it! I wanted to do this and was wondering why it took so long for me to find this new found passion. I discovered the love and joy of connecting with people, being free to create, and of course the money wasn’t too bad. I have dedicated nearly 20 years of being a Montessori classroom teacher from preschool to 3rd grade. I was ready for change, for more, a new passion to fulfill. After experiencing more settings in the world of cocktail making like speakeasies, hotel banquet bartending, resturant, and other settings, I knew this was it, I was ready, I need my own business doing what I love. In 2023 after much encouragement I made it official and launched my own business- Sips & Services, LLC. Sips & Services goes beyond the bar. I wanted to make sure my vision was clear and mission to connect. and be community oriented. I am blessed to have been able to work at and along with some amazingly talented knowledgeable colleagues/leaders. I have met some great people along the way. I am passionate about continuing to educate myself, attend workshops, industry events, completing advanced mixology classes, and networking. I also love sharing my knowledge with others, training and bar consulting. This has been a fantastic ride and I am just getting started!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say initially It was challenging and frustrating. Before I really knew what I was doing, the idea of doing private parties on my own wasn’t as easy as I thought. I needed others to help, needed the right equipment etc. It wasn’t until I had a few more years of experience under my belt that my vision become more clear. Also, having the confidence within myself needed to be shaped. Staying the course, having my partner my corner to help, encourage and push me has been a true blessing! I definitely would not be where I am now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When I am not doing my own events or teaching mixology classes, you can find me at my “home bar” at Peter Chang in Columba, MD as Lead Bartender. I have been there since we opened the doors almost 3 years ago. I enjoy curating the cocktail and mocktail menus – and encourage my bar mates to learn and contribute as well. Many come to the bar because they know they will always have the best cocktail and guests experience. You can also find me working at the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, Autograph Collection as Lead Banquet Bartender. And seasonally at M&T Bank Stadium, home
of the Baltimore Ravens as a Mixologist in a Premium Members Only Club Lounge. I am most proud of my journey and how I am still experiencing so very special and unique places to work, network, share my skills and grow, My determination, creativity and love for what I do sets me apart because I also provide good energy and an unmatched experience to anyone I serve.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was into sports, I loved playing and watching football, basketball, baseball. I enjoyed arts and the outdoors. I also liked writing and acting. Spent a few summers in basketball camps and theater groups. Love animals, so I always had a pet or two. My parents provided everything I needed and were always supportive no matter what I did. They also set examples of how believing and trusting God impacts my success. For that, I am truly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sipsandservices.com
- Instagram: nikkip.mixology
- Other: sipsandservices (instragram)
