The future is yours to create: Shelley Tai

Our final interviewee in our series is Shelley Tai, general manager of Singapore’s Nutmeg & Clove. She discusses how pursuing her hobbies brings her happiness, doing a job well, and raising our standards 

A little bit about me

I started working as a bartender when I was 20. Back then I just needed a job and bartending looked really fun and cool. My interest grew over time as I learnt more about the craft and met more people in the same industry.

It’s always exciting to meet new people and hear their stories. I take pride in providing a welcoming atmosphere for customers to relax and have a good time.

Continuously perfecting my craft also brings me a sense of satisfaction and pride.

As a bartender, I find happiness in creating a fun and welcoming environment for my team and my guests. Continuously perfecting my craft also brings me a sense of satisfaction and pride. As an individual, I find happiness in pursuing my hobbies and achieving personal goals.

What drives me as an individual? The desire to achieve dreams and live life to the fullest.

How I approach my work

The most helpful advice I’ve ever been given is that if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well!

Education, competition and travelling are all valuable ways for me to progress professionally and gain new experiences and skills.

If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well!

For employers to motivate me at work they can create a supportive work environment that promotes growth and development. They can also provide regular feedback and recognition, and support work-life balance within the team.

Although I wouldn’t say that brands are important supporters of my career, it is also because of brands that I got the opportunity to meet and compete with bartenders from around the world – that changed my life.

My thoughts on mentorship

Antonio Lai is my first mentor in the career. He provided me with opportunities and he made me understand what it takes to be a good bartender.

A ‘role model’ to me is someone who sets a positive example for others; who inspires and motivates them to be their best selves.

We can work to build a community that is not limited to a bar or a brand.

What do I look for in a mentor or leader? Someone with experience who is supportive and will constantly push me to be better.

Leaders in this industry can help the next generation by providing guidance and opportunities for them, including mentorship programmes, education and networking opportunities. I think our industry is growing fast and has already improved so much the past 10 years. If there is one thing we can work on more, it is probably to build community countrywide/worldwide that is not limited to a bar or a brand.

My hopes for the future

If I could change one thing about our industry, it would it be the long and inconsistent working hours.

I believe bartenders hold the power to define the future of the industry as they are at the forefront of customer experience. They can shape our industry through the quality of drinks they serve, level of service they provide and the overall atmosphere they create in their bars. Bartenders can also introduce guests to new and innovative cocktails, spirits and techniques that help drive the evolution of our industry.

I want my legacy to be one of inspiring and supporting others to pursue their passions and dreams.

If we want to make sure out voices are heard we can grow together by raising standards within the bar community – not only by improving the quality of drinks and service, but also by promoting professionalism and by helping present bartending as a well-respected job.

I want my legacy to be one of inspiring and supporting others to pursue their passions and dreams.