Daily Inspiration: Meet Elissa Dunn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elissa Dunn. 

Elissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started working in a restaurant at the age of 27 after leaving my corporate job. I was very lucky that I ended up being a cocktail waitress at one of the first speakeasies in South Florida. I was mesmerized by the bartenders and cocktails there. I knew this is what I wanted to do. After bartending for a couple of years I realized I could work anywhere, so I did just that. I spent the next few years traveling around the country working as a seasonal bartender. Only staying in each place for about 6 months. 

Even before the pandemic, I was starting to feel the effects of burnout, but the pandemic put it into hyperdrive. As many known the restaurant industry isn’t the most sustainable for the employees, and bartenders don’t have many options once they no longer wish to be behind the bar. I saw the opportunity to use social media as a tool to get my to stand out in the industry; maybe open up some doors. I never thought I would be able to make an entire career out of it. But that’s just what I have done. In June of 2021, I left my full-time Bar Management position to start my own business and go completely virtual. Now I run a social media called “The Badass Bartender”, teach mixology classes for Fortune 500 companies, and consult. 

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?
It has had its up and downs. I very thankful for the experiences I have been able to have, and the amazing people I have been able to meet. But the restaurant industry is not for the faint of heart; long night hours, fast-paced, dealing with people. It also is a very male-dominated industry. Unfortunately, I have had a front-row seat to the misogyny most of my career, being discriminated against, sexual harassed, and even sexual assaulted. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right now, most of work revolves about my social media and mixology classes. I am very proud that in 2021 I placed in the top 10 at of two national cocktail competitions and I have been featured in several magazines for my cocktail recipes including the nationally run Imbibe Magazine. But I think I most proud of my new project “Badass in Booze”. A social media to highlight and amplify the voices of all the badasses in booze who have faced sexual discrimination and harassment. I am hoping in the future to turn this into a charity or foundation that provides support and education. 

What matters most to you?
I knew from the very beginning of starting this social media journey I didn’t want to just be a talking head. lol I needed more of a purpose than just teaching people about spirits and cocktails. And’s that’s where my girls came in. I would be nowhere without the amazing women I have had supporting me throughout my life. I can honestly say I don’t know if I would even be alive without them. Giving back to them, to the future them that’s what matters to me. I started Badasses in Booze not just because I am a multiple-time survivor of sexual decimation, harassment, and assault in the restaurant industry, but because almost ALL women are. If I can change that for one woman, I have done my job. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Thebadassbartender@gmail.com
• Website: thebadassbartender.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/the.badass.bartender
• Other: tiktok.com/the.badass.bartender 

Image Credits
Caleb West
Lauren Topor