Sisterhood and Spirits: Two Women Who Are Changing the Bar Industry
Two powerhouse women are proving that the future of bartending is female and stronger than ever. Tara Fougner, Co-Founder and CEO of Thirsty, and Ody Cruz, a top beverage specialist, lead the charge with a simple yet powerful mantra: “Juntas somos más” (Together we are more). From breaking down walls of competition to building bridges of collaboration, these women are not just mixing cocktails; they’re mixing up the status quo. With authenticity, community, and a fearless approach to leadership, Tara and Ody show women in bartending that they don’t have to choose between being taken seriously and being themselves. In their world, the real secret ingredient is sisterhood, and it’s shaking up the bar industry one pour at a time.
Tara Fougner: “Together we are More”
Tara Fougner is Co-Founder /CEO of Thirsty, Tales of the Cocktail CATALYST Award Recipient and Wine Enthusiast Future 40 List Honoree. She has become one of the most influential figures in the bartending world.
While she has witnessed incredible progress toward equality for women in the bar industry, as we look to move forward, the only way to achieve this is by staying united in true community! Tara explains: “I always say, ‘juntas somos más,’ because together we are more of everything: powerful, educated, safe, successful, and fun!”
When Tara started in the industry over 20 years ago, there was so much competition pitting women against each other with a scarcity mentality that there could only be ‘one woman at a table. “We were often taught to fight each other to get ahead, but our path forward is not to fight but rather unite and foster a community of women in the industry rooted in collaboration not competition.”
She believes that our continued progress towards equality and growth requires us not to act like best friends but like accomplices standing shoulder to shoulder, creating opportunities, mentoring, sharing, and investing in each other with kindness and care. “Women represent more than half of this industry: we are the majority, and together, we are so powerful!”
As an industry guru, we asked Tara for some advice to women considering a career in bartending. Her response was short, to the point, and extremely valuable: “Truly be yourself! Be your most authentic self and resist the urge to feel like you need to look, act, move, speak like someone who is already successful to succeed professionally.”
She also adds that far too often as women, we feel that acting “serious” will make others take you seriously, but who gets to define serious? If your most authentic self is silly, sexy, spiritual, or serious, show the world that loudly and proudly!
Authenticity enables you to connect with the people and projects that will fulfill, empower, and fuel your career, passions, and happiness. “Of course, anyone can learn techniques and memorize facts, but you’re the only one who can do the special things that you do – share that with the world.”
Networking with other women in the industry is also an essential tool to build a trustworthy community. For Tara, a critical element of professional success is to build a contact list and find the right people.
Tara encourages women to engage in meaningful conversations with one another, going beyond surface-level interactions to foster deeper connections. Networking not only helps to build social circles but also to identify those who share similar values and visions for the future of women in the industry.
Tara makes a crucial point about networking: you shouldn’t only network with the people you think are already successful, but network in all directions—up, down, and sideways! “It shouldn’t be about scoring a cool photo with an influential bar figure, it’s about networking to find the people who share your goals and want to be in the trenches with you to collaborate on projects and fight for a better future for all of us in the bar industry.”
Now you know: begin connecting with diverse women. This will enable your work to be acknowledged not just by those you expected to support you but also by those women who require your support.
Ody Cruz: Empowering Women in Bartending
Ody Cruz is a beverage specialist and a bar and service consultant at @revobarconsultants. She was also part of the crew at Handshake Bar, which, as you know, holds the first place in the world according to The World’s 50 Best Bars.
For Ody, female bartenders who were her primary mentors or role models in the industry are her friends. In Mexico, more than 10 years ago, they grew together in this profession. To this day, they support each other every day and celebrate each achievement. That is the most valuable thing Ody has gained from this industry.
Certainly, her expertise inspires other women in the industry. She shared with our editorial team that after working hard for many years, one often stops to acknowledge one’s growth; when others, particularly women, see you as a role model, it can be quite overwhelming. Ody realized this a few years back when two women expressed this to her! It was a deeply moving and rewarding moment for her!
Certainly, Ody tackled the unique challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. From the outset, she has demonstrated unwavering perseverance, courage, and professionalism. Above all, she has effectively raised her voice with emotional intelligence and strategic thinking when addressing issues that affect women. She is truly inspiring!
Fortunately, women bartenders always helped each other to grow professionally. In Ody’s case, when her colleagues and friends come to her for advice, she makes sure they understand how valuable we are, not only as coworkers but also as individuals. “I emphasize the importance of professionalism and respecting our work so that others do the same. They always need to have a professional goal and a reason for being part of a company,” she notes.
Finally, we asked Ody to share some advice for women considering a career as bartenders. She mentioned that bartending is a noble profession with many challenges that help women grow and recognize their bravery and strength. According to her, the key to the continued growth of the community of female bartenders is to act with professionalism and respect. Furthermore, connecting with one another professionally in the industry is important, always keeping the door open for support, even if it isn’t solely based on friendship. Support goes beyond that.
Remember: There are many support networks of women in the industry raising their voices and making noise, and it doesn’t just happen in March: it happens all year round, because “women work hard all year and because we need to be heard all year,” Ody concludes.