Meet Jennifer Marrero | Born to Lead: cut from a different cloth

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

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I did not start a business( although recently, that is something I think about doing). I currently am the President of the Miami chapter, a chapter within a National Nonprofit Organization called United States Bartenders Guild.

I believe that the USBG sets you up so you can experience the real life when it comes to running a business, whether for profit or not. We get to run the chapter as you would run a business with specific guidelines/rules in place. The chapter is set up to mimic a business setting. On top of the basic business elements, you have a board that you have to run ideas through regarding money. You are held accountable in real life situations, which I think builds that inner core you need to be well rounded.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The Hospitality industry is all I have ever known. My first job was Chick-Fil-A, if that says anything! I’ve always enjoyed giving to others and I am always thinking of ways how to make someone’s day. Im thinking maybe “giving to others” is my love language. I am 19 years strong behind the bar and I truly love what I do. I have worked in fast food, night life, high end restaurant, local neighborhood restaurants, and more. I have also worked almost every position in the house which keeps me well rounded and good source of knowledge when it comes to the dynamics of a restaurant. I thrive in this industry because I do everything from the heart. Being a great bartender is a natural ability. Some have it and some don’t. You can teach someone how to bartend, but it’s much harder to teach Hospitality. People sit at the bar to converse, to share emotions, and to have a good time. They want you to be a part of their lives. Your attention has to be authentic.

I worked at an Outback Steakhouse and every day we opened at 4pm. There were 10 men who no matter rain or shine would be waiting at the door waiting to grab their usual seats and grab a drink. I became invested with these men and their lives. I knew their families, I knew their frustrations, I became their therapist! I loved it! It was at this time, I knew bartending was for me. I still remember their drinks and where they sat at that bar(but ask me what I ate yesterday and I have no idea… weird how the brain works eh)

In my early years, the bar was very male driven. Women weren’t looked at as a bartender, rather the help. I recall people asking for the Bartender and pointing to my coworker who was a man. I’ve also taken care of people who referred to me as the help and they verbatim said “ we don’t converse with the help”. Also, being behind a bar can be draining because you are always on stage. You always have to be ON! You are always taking in. It’s rare for a patron to ask you “how was your day”. We need to normalize viewing bartenders as human with lives that are just crazy( if not crazier) than theirs. You ultimately learn how to let work stay at work and find your release after work(unless you forgot someone’s ketchup and you suddenly remember you forgot it drinking a beer at Better Days at 2am)

The road hasn’t been easy, but as you age, you learn your limits and boundaries and are able to keep the balance. Work life balance is one of the only ways you can keep bartending a profession and not get burnt out.

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?
So I have lived in Miami for 14 years now which is insane at how time flies. I have experienced some great restaurants. I always tell visitors “ask you bartender” where to go next because we know the good, bad and ugly and can steer you to what vibe you’re looking for. Miami’s industry is great because we are like one big family. Everyone is so helpful in getting you that reservation at their job or “come see me, 1st drink on the house” kind of deal. It’s pretty great for a city this size.

If my best friend was in town, I would hit her with the classics and then do the off the beaten road kind of vibe.

Breakfast at Jimmys East Side is a must. JC and his Wife are so welcoming. It feels like home.

For lunch I would take her to B&M market for some Roti and Jerk Chicken and Carib.
If this day falls on a Saturday we would drive a little south and walk the Farmers Market at Legion Park and stand in line for Sugarcane juice Jamaican kiosk(carrot and ginger is my go to)

Dinner I would have to take her to my job of course for some of the best seafood in the city( not because I work there) I have been going to The River Oyster Bar before I worked there for there crazy HH and delicious oysters. Pot of mussels and Mushroom Encrusted Grouper.. followed by Sticky Toffee dessert.

Week long outings would be(and in no specific order) Cafe La Trova, Flanagan’s, Lung-Yai, Mikes on the Venetia, Macs Deuce Bar(I think they have potato chips I think) La sanwicherie(across from Macs) Machialina, Ceviche at Sabor y Peru, Le Tub, sunset drinks at Shuckers, Katana, and Yetis Pizza.

I cannot name them all I will be here forever, but there are so many amazing venues. know some of the owners at these locations because they care about the people who show up at their venues. They come to the table and chat it up with their guests. The most hospitable people you will find and it flows through their support staff. That’s why I will continue to show up and support!
At the end of our lovely experience, I would be dead broke, and live on cereal til the next pay period.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are several people I would like to give credit to for the person that have helped mold who I am today. First, I would like to acknowledge my mom. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. My mother is a complete POWERHOUSE and also has the biggest heart. I come from a lineage of strong women who despite the adversities, they made ends meet and provided for their families. My mother was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She grew up with little to nothing. My Grandmother worked hard to get her family to the States for a better life. As a child, we didn’t have much but my mother and Grandmother showed me the strength of a hard working woman. My mom also might be a mini celebrity in her city. We can’t go anywhere without someone coming up to show her love. It’s weird and I love it.

My sister Stephanie is someone I admire and look up to. There is nothing she cannot do. She has shown me that WE(P.O.C, Hispanics, low-income, etc) can do anything if you apply yourself. She just recently graduated from the Naval Reserve at 43, is a head nurse at the VA, and is currently in school to complete her Masters. She reminds me that everything IS achievable. The epitome of “if you want it, go get it”

Amin is a man who started as my manager and became my mentor and good friend through the years. He believed in me. He taught me more of the “street smarts” through his personal journey and story. There are some things books cannot teach you. A man with a wealth of knowledge and love. I cannot thank him enough for allowing me to grow and recognize my strengths.

Lastly, a shout out to another Miami mentor and one of my best friends Natalia Cardenas. She took me under her wing and taught me everything she knows about the industry. Anyone who knows Natalia, knows she is one of the strongest women you will ever meet. Her story will humble you. Did I mention she is the reason the phrase “Heart of Gold” exists?! I am blessed to call her my friend.

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Image Credits
Andrea Steevens