Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin “Jsleep, The People’s Bartender”.
Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
What’s going on, everybody? It’s your boy Jsleep, Founder, President & Creator of Unofficial HustleGang x Measurements Of Excellence: A Black Bartending Experience. I have been in the hospitality industry for 9 years and solely Bartending for the last 6 years. I didn’t start taking bartending serious until about 2 years once I started understanding inventory, liquor cost and what it ACTUALLY took to make and sell drinks. I’ve always had the ability to make great looking and great tasting drinks, but I just lacked the “behind the scenes” knowledge to be able to turn that into a passion. In my earlier years, my motto was simple “GET EM DRUNK TO GET PAID” LOL.
Majority of my practices come from watching and working closely with Peter Clifton (@clifton.pete) and Cody Northcutt (@light.ice_hospitality) from Ready Room (@ready.room) off White Oak and Studewood. These two guys told me simply to “forget EVERYTHING I ever knew towards bartending” and the relationship between us was like Luke Skywalker and Yoda from Star Wars from that day forward lol. My professional life has grown more in-depth by obtaining friendships from the city’s greats of the industry Ed Warner II (@edexperience), Terrell Bonner (@drunkencornerhtx) & Bevin (@ohbevin) who have all blessed me in some form to continue to chase and learn within my dream of becoming an overall WORLD CLASS BARTENDER.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Whew, hell no. Lol. This road has been so hard, tedious and nerve-wracking, BUT the most gratifying road thus far. being an entrepreneur really does have long days, longer nights, times where you won’t be able to hang out and enjoy your social life. when you’re trying to find that balance between your personal and professional lives, you gotta choose how bad you really want to win. I’ve missed so many important dates, so many important moments throughout this journey, that I can only ask forgiveness and hope those that truly support me know it never was my intent to do so. Nipsey (Hussle) hit the nail on the head when he stated “circle got smaller everybody can’t go” Just with that quote alone, you gotta mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually prepare to lose a few people that knew you prior to you trying to find the NEW you. we all deserve to win and with those wins comes a few sacrifices along the way, but it will be greater later.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Measurements Of Excellence: A Black Bartending Experience ?
I would like the world to know that here at Measurements Of Excellence: A Black Bartending Experience, you’re going to get just that a BLACK BARTENDING EXPERIENCE. where I am able to discuss to origins of cocktails, terms and phrases we use throughout the industry, tools and techniques that you can use in the comforts of your own home and many other things. With this platform, I want to shine light on black bartenders and let it be known that WE ARE OUT HERE! I’m not saying that we’re being overlooked, but we’re just as good, intelligent and talented as everyone else throughout the world. I’m known for having THE HOTTEST BOTTLED DRINKS IN HOUSTON!!
Year-to-Date, I’ve shipped to 46 out of 50 states and 7 countries and projected to hit all states by the beginning of 2022. my 3 factors of High Quality Content are the elements that set me apart from other brands just due to me treating everyone as I would like to if the roles were reversed. 1) Great Customer Service. 2) Using the FRESHEST ingredients and highest standard spirits (liquor) 3) Being knowledgeable and accessible to EVERYONE at all times. I pride myself in these areas on the sole reason that I can and will hit a perfect score every time off these 3 things that TRULY believe in and put into practice every..single..time.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Honestly, chances MAKE champions and with that “Excellence is OURS to own. just jump out there, introduce yourself, stand firm on your product, your product knowledge and what you’re trying to achieve for your future and you will have NO CHOICE but to win. I joke by telling people “I might not always get the W, but I will fa sho get the T for trying” LMAO.
Contact Info:
- Email: djthicklenz@gmail.com
- Instagram: @moelifendrinks
- Twitter: @moedrinks
Image Credits
Russia McCreay
Queta Bean
