Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexi (Alexis) Paterno.
Hi Lexi (Alexis), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona since 2018, I have also worked in the service industry since 2009.
My first Internship at Cal Poly Pomona was at a high end country club called Shady Canyon in Irvine Ca, as their event manager intern. I made this position for myself because I wanted to work at this specific private club. I had heard they hosted a camp out on their golf course during the summer and I wanted the chance to run this event. I made it happen! The Camp out on the golf course was epic, I had a zip line put in over the pond, ponies brought in for the kids to ride, bounce houses of all sizes, a hot air balloon, a DJ, a country band and line dance instructor, and so much more! Those were definitely the highlights, but this event was such a great, first event, project to work on, there were so many moving parts.
In 2017, I got my first managing job as Assistant General manager at a craft cocktail lounge called Magnolia House in Pasadena, Ca. I worked as AGM and finished my degree simultaneously. Magnolia House taught me a lot about running a bar and everything that encompassed a high end craft cocktail lounge. Although I had never at this point been behind a bar full time, I was a fast learner and knew I needed to study and ask my bartenders a ton of questions on how to be a great bartender, or as some might call a mixologist. Of course there were some shifts where I was thrown into the fire and had to help bartend behind the bar with them, when someone couldn’t make it in for a shift. This made me so proud to have taken the time to learn everything I could from the Bartenders. Was I perfect? Absolutely not! And I knew this. But, was I humble? Yes! Because, I knew the only way to learn and to be a better manager or leader, you need to stay humble and learn from everyone and ask questions!
By 2019 I made the move to Houston! I knew with my degree and resume I could work anywhere I wanted to and I wanted to work for the best. I also knew I didn’t want to manage right away in Houston because I wanted to have the time to learn the city and make friends. I researched and knew I wanted to work for Chris Shepard, a James Beard award winning chef, at any of his locations and grow with him and his company, Underbelly Hospitality. I First started off bartending at 1/5 Gulf coast and was then quickly moved to Georgia James on Westheimer, as a bartender. I then became the bar lead for them after a few months after working there. I also helped them open up the new location on West Dallas as bar lead.
I then decided to get back into managing and took on the position of General Manager for Alba Huerta’s, Julep a James Beard award winning bar and a Top 50 Best Bar in North America. Here, I honed all my skills I had grown over the years and had the pleasure of teaching and leading my employees.
I then wanted to experience a different route, and went back to bartending at a Forbes Five Star Hotel, The Post Oak, in their members exclusive private bar, The Oak Room. I have never worked in a hotel before , and wanted to work in a high end luxury hotel. I felt like I needed to have this under my belt.
I soon had baby number 1 on the way shortly after working at Post Oak Hotel and took a step away from the industry to start my family. My family was growing and my schedule was not suitable for night life at that moment.
About a year later I craved to still be a part of the industry, but in my own way… I wanted the flexibility to make my own schedule and prioritize being a stay at home mom first. I always will have a passion and need to be a part of the service and bar industry, so I thought why not start something of my own, LexTinii Mobile Bartending.
I wanted to start my own mobile bartending service to provide an in-home luxury, five star experience for my clients, with artisanal, hand crafted custom made cocktails.Being a Small business owner I have definitely pulled from all my past experiences in my hospitality journey and it makes it really fun to work on my weaknesses. I’m excited to see where my journey takes me. I am always striving to learn and be better in my craft, passion and small business owner. With owning a small business there are so many avenues to learn and I know will lead to much more down the road ahead! Oh and Baby number two is on the way!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road at all! Owning a small business has so many moving parts you don’t really understand until you’re in it. Thankfully we have the power of the internet and YouTube to help with any step by step needs. This is always a revolving door and the best way is to manage it, is to keep learning and want to learn to be better.
We’ve been impressed with LexTinii, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is luxury Mobile Bartending. A lot of mobile bartenders are bartenders, but miss small details that I know some clients are looking for. Or some mobile bar companies are business oriented and lack the craft, custom part of it. LexTinii mixes the best of these. I focus on building and creating cocktails with the client in mind and ask them what flavors they like and don’t like, and what styles of cocktails they love. I really try to make a custom menu each time for each client. I make all my syrups, juices, and garnishes by hand too.
I also provide small intimate Mixology classes for groups of 12, if you want to get nerdy, or learn how to shake something.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Biggest lesson is to be humble, ask questions and be willing to learn! You don’t always know the answers or someone has a better way of doing something, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and listen! Also, have a great network of peers to ask for help. I love when my old employees come to me still and ask how to do something and I can help them. I would want my peers to do the same for me. You never know who might hire you down the line, so stay on good terms and keep a solid reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lextinii.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lex_tinii
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LexTinii-61576675010735/
- Other: https://share.google/ksTE1iweV9VcxXIAc
