Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Norfleet
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been dancing pretty much all of my life. I started as a majorette at my elementary school, went on to dance for the Junior Grizzlies dance team, and danced throughout my middle school, high school, and college career. I attended the University of Tennessee at Martin where I received a BFA in Dance Education. I teach (have taught) dance at the studio level and at Memphis area public schools. I’m working currently as the choreographer/dancer for the Tina Turner Tribute Experience and as the hip hop instructor at Danzhouse. Along with my dance career, I’ve worked in the service industry as a bartender for several years. I enjoy being able to curate cocktails and create memorable experiences. Using that passion, in March of 2023, Carmen’s Cocktails and Creations was born. Carmen’s Cocktails and Creations is a mobile bartending company that has served public and private events such as Strangwaze Wednesdays, Memphis Grizzlies watch parties, the Mimosa Festival, Memphis Rave series, weddings, formals, and list the goes on. I also offer Mixology classes for girls nights, bachelorette parties, etc. All in all, I’m able to enrich lives of the youth with my dance instruction and have something for my adults with the bar service, events, and adult dance classes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
That year when Covid struck was rough!! I was still working in the school system at the time, so imagine trying to keep 25+ students engaged virtually. Not only keeping them engaged but being a dance teacher, it was like pulling teeth to actually have the students interact while they were home glued to a laptop or tablet. Of course the bar and dance scene came to a halt because there was nowhere to perform and no one to serve drinks to. Thankfully I came out on top because once outside was back open everyone planned an event for anything and I was happy to physically step back into the school and studio.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a full time entrepreneur, dance instructor, and business owner. As a dance instructor, I specialize in hip hop but I’m trained in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and everything else that comes with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. I’m most proud of being able to give back when it comes to dance. I love seeing my kids come in every week eager to learn something new, even if it sounds crazy when I’m explaining it to them. As far as Carmen’s Cocktails and Creations goes I specialize in creating memorable experiences for people. I want my personality and knowledge of drinks to always be a lasting effect. Whether it’s how I communicated prior to the event or the delicious mocktails I served at a baby shower, for example.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One thing I’m still learning is to be patient. Everything happens when it should happen and I should not rush things. I’m continuously learning patience when it comes to teaching choreography, because what looks perfect in my head may not look perfect in the mirror but with time and practice all movement improves. Being a new business owner I want to be booked everyday if I could, I know that’s very far fetched, but with time and patience it’s something I’m hoping for in the near future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_carmenscocktailsandcreations_?igsh=MTNmNWU4MTBqOHh3eA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarmenBriana?mibextid=LQQJ4d
