Meet Jacky Mouafo | Travel Bartender

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacky Mouafo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacky, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Life is about taking risks to reach one’s purpose. As a Cameroonian immigrant, I have had to overcome numerous challenges, but none have hindered me from achieving my goals. My parents always pushed me to take risks and to follow my heart. I applied that into practice three years ago when I moved to Miami. Three years ago, my life changed. My move to Miami hasn’t always been great but the motivation and drive I had in me; nothing could have stopped me from going after what I wanted. Taking risks has tremendously helped in my life and career. With everything going on around me, the good and the bad, I still chose to keep fighting. I had many reasons to pack my bags and drive back to Maryland, but I consistently refused to give up. I always get the question of why Miami? I answer, “I’m not sure yet, but I have a purpose to fulfill”. If I hadn’t taken the risks of moving to Miami, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I may not be exactly where I want to be, but I am exactly where God needs me to be. Taking risks has enabled me to take on new endeavors such as starting my own business. Taking risks has taught me some of life most valuable lessons which are but not limited to; (1) embracing failures (2) going after what you want, (3) not being afraid to succeed, (4) being able to fall and get right back up, and lastly, (5) pushing you out of your comfort zone.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I first started my business by simply turning a fun hobby into something I love doing every day. What sets me apart from others is my creativity and my willingness to grow. I love being different and every time someone tastes my drink or thinks about me, I want them to remember me, to remember Sip.N.Savor. What I am most proud of is, how far I have come. It’s only been a year and I am truly excited for what the future holds. How did I get to where I am today – I will have to say by being patient, not looking or worrying about what the next person is doing. I can’t focus on anyone’s plate but mine. In life, everyone is dealt a different hand and what God has planned for me, it’s only meant for me. It has not been easy getting where I am today, I took some months off just to get my thoughts together and to figure out where and how far I wanted my business to go. The best way I have been able to overcome any challenges I have faced is by remaining faithful and humble, and remembering why I started in the first place. I have learned so many lessons since I have taken this leap of faith to start my business but the most important lesson of them all is, to be PATIENT and trust the process. There are many times where I have tried to rush things or felt like I was behind, but I had to remember where I was just a few months before. Sometimes things may seem like they are not moving but the reality is that God is working something greater behind your back.

What I want the world to know about me is I am a go-getter. I go after any and everything I want in life. I do not let anything, or anyone stops me from going after what I love. However, what I would like the world to know about my brand is, I will always strive to provide the best service out there and to make sure that I accomplish my goal as their favorite bartender ever. I LOVE the feeling of making people happy and I do so, by exceeding their drinking needs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my Bestfriend was to visit for a week, I will make sure that she sees Miami’s best attractions. I will take her to the beach, Fort Lauderdale & South Beach, Taco Tuesday at Bar Rita, or another famous spot and if she wants to go out, we can go to Blackbird for ladies’ nights on Tuesday. Wednesday we can go sightseeing at Wynwood and Thursday night ladies night at Da Cave, free drinks, champagne, and chocolate cover strawberries for the ladies. Friday we can go out for a nice breakfast at midtown, maybe Bistro Cafe then hit the city. There are so many night options for the weekends, such as Wynwood, happy hour at Tootsies cabaret. Saturday we go to the beach or get on the boat, do more sightseeing and then go out to Eleven, Brickhouse, etc. Sundays are for bottomless mimosas and brunch, so anywhere with bottomless mimosas, we can go to Tap 42 which is my go-to spot, Y.O.T in Ft. Lauderdale, or any place with nice food and vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First big shoutout is to my Lord & Savior, my God. I would also like to give a big shoutout to my family, friends and customers for their amazing and countless support. Big shoutout to Briana Green for helping me bring my vision to life and for being day for me through it all & to someone who has also been there since day one of my bartending career Ashley Wheeler.

Instagram: @Sip.n.savorllc @_itsjayybabyee