Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronnie Braxton.
Hi Ronnie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m just a kid from NY who loves Art and being creative. I played sports most of my life and when that life was over I studied theater and began to act and like most things that came to an end as well. Then along came bar industry. I fell into bartending as just a way to supplement my income but like Sports and Theater I had no idea I would fall in love with it the way I did. It was a true craft, art, another way I could be creative and connect to people. That passion grew and helped me form my small business “Mixing”. Training Consulting and inspiring potential and fellow bartenders a like. Helping owners understand the science of this industry. The part of my business and what I do that most don’t under…..it’s all about the people. The gift isn’t making cocktails or teaching or consulting but more about connecting and giving peace if only for that moment. The cocktail is nothing more than the proverbial olive branch. It’s my life’s work and I am proud of it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like every story struggles and obstacles come into play. My hurdles were always the belief and understanding of my expertise and experience. Can he do it? Is he that good and knowledgeable? I’ve been doing this for close to 20 years. Started in the Mecca of cocktail, NYC and worked places like San Diego, CT, SC and Nashville to name a few. Brand ambassador for multiple companies. Worked with mixologist from all
Over the country. Won competitions, sold cocktail recipes to names like John Taffer and I’m still trying to prove my worth. The funny thing is I actually enjoy proving. Nothing I have was ever given so why stop now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Most would say Bartender. Consultant. Trainer. But I believe I am in the peace business. A reminder to the guest of the almighty human spirit and that’s what makes me different. We all seen movies or Sitcoms where said character would sit in front of that proverbial bartender and spill his/her guts for redirection. A reminder of the abundance and beauty of life and that’s who I am and what Mixing strives to be. Bartending is or vehicle and art but the mission is the guest experience beyond just just the libations.
How do you define success?
In the happiness of the guest. We have no clue what someone may have been thru. Lost their job, a family member, heart broken ect. My success lies on whether for those few hours I was able to make them forget the negative side. On the training side, I count my success based on how infectious my passion is. Can I create another mixologist who sees the art and human aspect in what we do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixingwithronnie
