
Haebin (Ellen) Choi, senior bartender at Villa Records Bar
What initially drew you to the world of bartending, and how did you get started in the industry?
While studying design, I wanted to express myself in different ways. I was contemplating how to share what I wanted to express, and what I loved. During that time, I discovered that beverages carry many emotions and moments. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, a glass of alcohol, or even a sip of water, there’s a lot of conversation and emotions involved. This fascinated me. I wondered what could bring me closest to all three, and that’s how I started bartending.
As a female bartender in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Working late at night initially caused a lot of misunderstanding and concern among my family. Especially since I started this job as soon as I became an adult, I faced a lot of rejection.
However, looking back now, I think all these experiences gave me positive energy. Studying and preparing for competitions all night long without my family knowing taught me persistence. Now, I proudly show my results and work with pride.
Are there any misconceptions about bartending or being a female bartender that you would like to address?
Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Epicure Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Epicure Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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