THE YOUNG WOMEN TO WATCH IN THE DRINKS INDUSTRY

In our final part of our 'Inspiring Women' series, Diageo Bar Academy sits down with young and upcoming bartenders Anna Nguyen and Emily Chipperfield to get their perspective on being successful women in the drinks industry.

If you want to read more about 'Inspiring Women', learn more about the impressive Diageo Archives and the women that preserve them, when Diageo Bar Academy sits down with Jo McKerchar and Eibhlin Colgan. Want to know how to build you career and the best advice on carving out your niche? Read our article with Shannon Mutsipher and learn how she has relied heavily on personal development to flourish in the drinks industry.

More than Cosmopolitans: Women and Bartending with Anna Nguyen

While working as a waitress in university, Anna Nguyen met some incredible bartenders who taught her about the history and wondrous world of cocktails and spirits. After they encouraged her to get behind the bar, she continued her journey in cocktail making. Now working as the Restaurant Manager for Door Knock, Sydney, Anna shares her insight into bartending.

Who do you look up to in the bar industry?

Natalie Ng (Door Knock) has been a long-time mentor and close friend of mine. She is an incredible woman to work for.

Do you think it is harder for women to make a career in the drinks industry?

Being a woman in the industry has its challenges - and being an ethnic woman has not made it any easier. However, I believe that the industry has shifted to a more inclusive mindset in the last few years, and female empowerment is currently at an all-time high meaning there are more opportunities to climb the ladder.

Do you have a favourite bar?

Atlas, Singapore - gorgeous venue and even better Martinis.

What attracted you to working with spirits rather than other drinks categories?

I've always been fascinated by the rich global history of spirits, the nitty gritty details of the production process, and of course, the integral role it plays in cocktails.

I absolutely adore whisky, and so does my father - it's a bonding tool for us and so has a very special place in my heart.

How would you encourage young women to get into the drinks industry?

I think that more women in the industry (whether they be distillers, brand ambassadors, journalists, or bartenders) need to be acknowledged for their achievements to show young women all the different things that they can aspire to achieve.

It is important to champion inclusivity for everyone, no matter where they are on the gender spectrum. Healthy workplace environments where ALL are welcome to join and have a great time is key!

A wonderful example is Speed Rack - Lynnette and Ivy have created an incredible program that helps to support, educate, and showcase the skills of women across the globe.

How can young people break through as bartenders?

Don't doubt your worth and always continue to educate yourself! Sign up for training programs, apply for jobs at venues that inspire you, don't be scared to enter a competition or to reach out to fellow females in the industry.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, and you never know which tiny little decision can take you down an amazing career path.

What did you wish you knew when you first started bartending?

I wish that I stood up for myself more. It took a long time for me to be confident in my skills and comfortable in my own skin. I'm so grateful to have had unwavering support from colleagues who stood up for me when I was too scared to stand up for myself.

Muddling through the Drinks Industry: Working in Hospitality with Emily Chipperfield

Starting off in hospitality, Emily Chipperfield soon fell in love with how fun it was to call a bar “work”. Hailing from an area that didn’t have much appreciation for cocktails, her first margarita aged 21 was a game changer.

She quickly understood cocktails would open her mind to a lot of new flavours – she didn’t like sour foods but loved citric drinks. Getting to learn about spirits and the dynamic style of content available, she realised she could never get bored in the drinks industry.

What is your favourite cocktail to make?

Charlie Chaplin. It’s also my favourite cocktail to drink, and doesn’t get ordered enough.

Do you think bartenders should stick to their specialities or branch out?

I believe every bartender should have basics in wine and beer as well as spirits, but I specialise in spirits because I don’t drink wine or beer. That’s the main reason I struggled to deepen my interest.

I remember the first whisky I ever had was a cask strength peated whisky and it blew my mind. I had never tasted anything like it. Then learning about it never felt like work.

Do you have any advice for women trying to break through as bartenders?

Reach out to other bartenders. You’ll be surprised how supportive and helpful the bartending community can be. You might even end up giving back to the community in some capacity.

What sage wisdom would you give to someone starting out bartending?

So much of our personal and professional life intertwine, make sure to keep some separation between both. Keep hobbies. Giving 100% of yourself doesn’t mean 100% of your time.

Five Key Takeaways

1. Healthy workplace environments where ALL are welcome to join and have a great time is key to success for all bars.
2. Have confidence in your own skillsets and ask questions to learn more.
3. Reach out to other bartenders for advice - they will help you become better.
4. Ensure you take time for yourself outside of your work.
5. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, and you never know which tiny little decision can take you down an amazing career path.

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