Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Sill.
Hi Holly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was 21 when I started in the industry at a counter service craft beer and wine bar. The tap wall was massive and constantly rotating, so the menu never felt stale and my palate was never bored. I knew pretty instantly that I wanted to be part of the hospitality industry long term because every shift felt like I was a party host rather than simply at work. But I also felt intellectually stimulated—I caught the wine bug and that became my focus for a few years and I pursed my WSET 2 certificate in wine. At one point I was working 3 different jobs not out of financial necessity but so I could learn different skills at a faster rate—a retail fine wine and spirits shop, a wine tasting room, and barbacking at restaurant. I quickly moved up to bartender and since then cocktails and spirits have been my main focus. I’ve been in a craft cocktail bar setting for 2 years now at Midnight Cowboy and it’s unbelievable how much creative control and freedom we have when it comes to the cocktail menu and that has made the job even more fulfilling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I struggled with imposter syndrome for a while and sometimes still do. It’s easy to see other talented bartenders and feel intimidated but it’s also comforting to know that there are people in the room that are more experienced than you because you realize there’s always more to learn and room to grow and that’s exciting. I also think no one is going to be the best at everything. Some people are really good at speed and technique behind the bar, while others may really excel at communicating and educating guests about the menu when it comes to the cocktails, wines, and spirits. It’s definitely important to be well rounded but it’s okay if you’re not the best at every single thing. And there’s always going to be the occasional rough shift but that’s no different than any other profession.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been at Midnight Cowboy for 2 years now and I’ve been one of the two lead bartenders for almost a full year. Our bar’s specialty is craft cocktails and intricate themed menus. The first menu the current team put out together was called Cowboys vs. Aliens and it was like a graphic novel or a comic book. The second and current menu, Arcana, is more sophisticated in a way with a hard bound book cover and designed to read through like a tarot card deck. Our third menu is finished in terms of the drinks and menu copy but the art design is still in process at the moment. Midnight Cowboy is a really special place to work at because it’s a bar where bartenders can really cut their teeth in terms of cocktail creation. Some drinks come together quickly and others require trial and error to get it across the finish line to be menu ready but that’s ends up being a really fun learning process. I’m super proud of every menu we’ve done together because it’s a reflection of who we are as bartenders, our palates, and how we work as a team. I mean the menus are pretty massive nearing almost 30 drinks including the mocktails. I’m just proud of the work and thoughtfulness everyone has put in to create the menus. Our bar is also known for “cart cocktails” where we make select drinks from the menu table-side in front the guests and that always feels special since we get to take the time to explain the how the drinks come together and highlight certain ingredients, giving the guests both entertainment and cocktail education.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the most important quality for success is having a strong work ethic. It’s important to always be leaving ego at the door. Especially in leadership, no job or task should be beneath you. If you wouldn’t do a task yourself, it’s ludicrous to ask another employee or co-worker to do it. Leading by example is huge and can really build up morale and inspire others to take accountability and leadership in their own ways. Having a strong team and bond with coworkers always makes the day go by faster and the shift run smoother.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://midnightcowboymodeling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcowboybar?igsh=MXMyZjczMm95d3JvMA==
Image Credits
Primary listed photo and the greyscale image are both owned by Midnight Cowboy’s parent company, FBR.
The headshot photo of me in the blue top is by Evan Mora.
The series of three closeup photos are by Kelly Phillips.
