Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Aguilar.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Background: First Generation American from Nicaraguan Immigrant Parents
I was working in Film Production in Los Angeles after graduating college in 2013. It’s difficult to get a living wage working in that career and so I supplemented my income with part-time hospitality work. I worked for a few prominent restaurants in DTLA before beginning my career at Pouring With Heart in February 2014. I was working as a Door Host at a small Japanese Style Shot Bar called Bar Jackalope.
Several years after juggling both Film & Hospitality careers, I had a rude awakening. By reputation, the Film industry is notorious for marginalizing female POC and I found out years of dedicating my life to film that I had become one of those statistics. I found out that I was being paid less than white male intern vs myself who held a permanent position at the company for over three years. I decided to leave the film industry for good and focus all my energy into hospitality.
I grew into my own with the support from Pouring With Heart. They gave me the tools and the path to make it to the General Manager position I am today.
Covid plagued our industry and there was a time where we seriously almost collapsed as a company. We had a small and risky opportunity to re-open our Austin market in February 2021. Myself and a small team of 5 other leaders joined together and re-opened Seven Grand, Las Perlas, Cana Rum Bar, Half Step and King Bee back into the Austin community in March 2021.
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?
Covid was definitely an obstacle for all hospo friends. There was no consistency from our re-opening in March 2021. Supply chain issues were rough, hospo workers didn’t want to come back to the industry the job felt like constantly putting out little fires.
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’m a General Manager at Seven Grand, Las Perlas and Cana Rum Bar in downtown Austin. I specialize in Single Spirits and am considered a Whiskey, Mezcal and Rum expert. Over the course of my tenure with Pouring With Heart, I worked in every position possible but really flourished as the curator of the Spirit Guide Society. There I was able to learn, meet and interview Brand Ambassadors & Master Blenders from across the globe and learn about amazing spirits. I’ve been featured on multiple spirits podcasts and used to help produce our own call the Spirit Guide Society.
What I’m most proud of was to be able to find a “non-conventional” career that gives me more freedom and benefits than any other would. I accredit that to Pouring With Heart that operates like no other hospitality group I’ve ever worked for.
What sets me apart the First Generation Complex Hustle. My family risked a lot coming to this country to give their children a better opportunity and I never take that for granted any day. I work hard to make a name for myself and to take care of my family. The ability to be the first in your family to foster community for future generations is what drives me.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Visiting my first volcano on the homeland in Nicaragua. I’ll never forget the intense smell of sulfur!
Contact Info:
- Email: stephanie@pouringwithheart.com
- Website: pouringwithheart.com
- Instagram: @sevengrandaustin @lasperlasaustin @cana_rumbaratx
Image Credits
Evan Mora
