Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosha Lewis.
Hi Rosha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio but now live in Memphis, TN. I came down here to live with my grandmother and assist her when she found out that she had ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Before she passed away in our last conversations she told me, “Rosha be the best mom that you can be. Be your own businesswoman and take care of yourself. Don’t depend on a man for what you need.” I adored my grandmother, and that is a message that I hold with me as I strive to be the businesswoman, she believed I could be.
I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for a long time, as a host, server, or bartender. I have always enjoyed creating a fun and loving environment where others can come, relax and enjoy themselves. What better way to do that than over food and drinks.
A great meal + an awesome drink + excellent host = Happiness. There are so many unseen battles, silent struggles that people go through and if I can bring light to their lives, that’s what I want to do. For the past 3 years, my main focus has been bartending. It’s my pleasure to get to know people from their favorite drink. I have met a lot of amazing people just from making their favorite cocktail. It’s an honor every time someone chooses me to serve them.
I soon realized that I one day would want my own bar, and that’s when Drinks On Duty was born. I wanted to be a part of other special events such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, holiday parties, etc. I wanted to bring my own love and flare and what better way to do that than to have a mobile bar service.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey of life is not smooth and the same can be said for any business. But it is definitely worth fighting for. I’m sure I went through what most new business owners go through.
Worried about getting funding for my business. How do I stand out from the competition? Why does it feel like those close to me aren’t supporting my business like they do others? Trying to find the right people to talk to and get advice from. Those are all things that I struggled with.
The first way I handled this was by making sure I was on point (you have to study your craft). I started practicing drinks. Learning all I could about liquor and the laws. Learning new mixology skills. Once I became confident in that, everything else started to fall in place. I always keep an open mind and pay attention to my mistakes and learn from them.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a bartending service.
You can book us for any event, and we will be ready to make traditional cocktails but will also make a specialty drink for your event. You can also place orders for only drinks. If you do not need a bartender or you simply want to drink at home, you can place your drink order and you can pick it up or have it dropped off. We’re here to make any hour, happy hour.
Something new that I started during the pandemic was online sessions. This is where I teach groups online how to make cocktails at home and answer any questions they have. This will be expanding in 2022 and I will also be adding a drinking safety course soon. Some other items we offer are drunken cupcakes, jello shots, and a crowd favorite, Whiskey Brownies. Those also can be ordered and dropped off.
What matters most to you? Why?
I want to make sure that I’m creating a fun and loving environment.
Like I said before, you never know what someone is going through. I have been through some tough battles myself and it has always been someone’s act of kindness and words of encouragement that has helped me through. I want my business to be successful but more importantly, I want to be able to help those in need and give back to the community around me.
I appreciate my mom for always encouraging me on good days as well as bad. When I needed a space to fulfill drink orders it was my friend Brittany that let me use her house and kitchen to operate my business. And I will never forget my first customers, Ms. Tanya and Ms. Mary they took me seriously from day one.
Whether it was me selling drinks out of the trunk of my car or being the 1st to try a new drink I made, they were always there. This support is what helps me to keep pushing forward and I hope to be this same support system for other business owners.
Contact Info:
- Email: dod@drinksonduty.com
- Website: drinksonduty.com
- Instagram: @drinksonduty_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrinksOnDuty
- Other: 901-424-3388
