Yael's journey into hospitality.
Yael Van Graaff's journey into hospitality began when she moved to New York at the age of 17 to pursue her creative goals. Initially, she was a dancer and had no experience in the bar and restaurant industry. However, she quickly realized the need to make money to pay her rent and decided to become a cocktail waitress.
While Yael did not study dance academically, she chose to move to New York and attend NYU because she wanted to be surrounded by the arts. Instead of studying dance, she pursued subjects such as philosophy and French dramatic literature. Halfway through her studies, she discovered her passion for DJing and decided to transition into an interdisciplinary program.
Yael's journey into hospitality took an unexpected turn when she started working as a cocktail waitress. Although it was initially a means to an end, she found herself drawn to the world of hospitality. Perhaps it was the fast-paced environment, the opportunity to interact with people, or the creative aspect of crafting cocktails that captivated her.
As Yael continued to work in various bars and restaurants in New York, she honed her skills and developed a deep appreciation for the industry. Despite not using her academic major directly, her experience in school undoubtedly shaped her personality and influenced her approach to hospitality.
It is evident that Yael's journey into hospitality was not a linear one. She moved to San Francisco for a brief period but eventually returned to New York. Over the years, she has stayed in one place for about five years before moving again. This constant movement mirrors the transient nature of the hospitality industry itself.
Yael's upbringing in Texas and her time spent in France also played a role in shaping her hospitality journey. Growing up in Texas likely instilled a sense of Southern hospitality in her, while studying in France exposed her to different cultures and refined her language skills.
Although Yael's path into hospitality may not have been traditional, it is clear that her passion for the industry and her willingness to explore different creative avenues have led her to where she is today. She has become a powerhouse in the industry, known for her expertise and talent.
Yael's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most fulfilling journeys are the ones that are unexpected. By embracing new opportunities and following her passions, she has carved out a unique path in the hospitality world. Her journey is a testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of the industry, where individuals from various backgrounds can find success and fulfillment.
Exploring different bars, cocktails.
Yael's journey in the bar and cocktail industry began in a neighborhood sports bar called Common Ground in New York City. Working there, she was exposed to the world of service and hospitality, and it ignited a passion within her. Despite being underage at the time, Yael found herself recommending drinks to customers, including her own creation, the Yale Special Stoli Vanilla Diet Coke. This experience sparked her interest in mixology and the art of crafting unique and delicious cocktails.
After her time at Common Ground, Yael's curiosity led her to explore different types of bars and establishments. She ventured into fine dining, bottle service clubs, dive bars, and even wine bars. This diverse experience allowed her to gain a well-rounded understanding of the industry and develop her skills as a bartender.
Yael's love for mixology and experimentation continued to grow, and she found herself drawn to absinthe and coconut water as her go-to desert island drink. This unique combination of flavors captivated her, and she even launched her own brand of sparkling coconut water called Strange Water. This new venture showcases her creativity and passion for creating innovative and refreshing beverages.
Throughout her journey, Yael's focus on exploring different bars and cocktails has allowed her to discover new flavors, techniques, and experiences. Her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone and try new things has shaped her career and contributed to her success in the industry.
Yael's story also highlights the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of the bar and cocktail scene. From neighborhood sports bars to craft cocktail bars, there is a wide range of establishments that cater to different tastes and preferences. This diversity offers bartenders like Yael the opportunity to explore and experiment with various ingredients, flavors, and techniques.
Furthermore, Yael's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. It shows that with passion, dedication, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, one can carve out a unique and fulfilling career in the hospitality industry. Yael's story encourages individuals to follow their passions and pursue their dreams, even if it means venturing into uncharted territory.
In conclusion, Yael's exploration of different bars and cocktails has shaped her career and allowed her to discover her true passion for mixology. Her journey serves as a reminder of the diverse and dynamic nature of the hospitality industry, where individuals from various backgrounds can find success and fulfillment. By embracing new opportunities and following her passions, Yael has created a unique path for herself in the world of bars and cocktails. Her story is a testament to the power of exploration and the endless possibilities that await those who are willing to step outside of their comfort zones.
Transition from dancer to bartender.
Yael's transition from being a dancer to becoming a bartender is a fascinating journey that highlights the versatility and adaptability of individuals in the hospitality industry. Initially drawn to the world of nightlife and entertainment due to her background in dance, Yael's interest in craft cocktails and mixology was sparked when she started dating a bartender who was highly skilled in this field.
As Yael delved deeper into the world of mixology, she voraciously read about craft and classic cocktails, immersing herself in the knowledge and techniques required to create exceptional drinks. However, it was not just the drinks themselves that captivated her, but also the ambiance, people, lights, and music that made up the nightlife experience. This realization led her to understand that her true passion lay in creating an overall atmosphere of entertainment and enjoyment for patrons.
Yael's journey took a significant turn when she came across an ad on Craigslist for a program led by Eben Freeman, a renowned figure in the bartending industry. Recognizing his name from her bartender boyfriend's praise, Yael decided to attend the job interview, which eventually led to her becoming a cocktail waitress at a restaurant called Taylor. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in her career as she had the chance to work alongside a rock star lineup of bartenders, including Alex Day, Adam Jaljitache, Tim Cooper, and Troy Arkin.
Eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible, Yael diligently copied down her colleagues' cocktail recipes and techniques in her own notebooks. Her dedication and passion for bartending were evident, and eventually, Eben Freeman allowed her to start bartending herself. Yael's talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, as Audrey Saunders, the owner of Pegu Club, noticed her skills and invited her to work at her establishment. This opened up even more opportunities for Yael, including running Painkiller and working at Maison Premier before she eventually moved to Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles, Yael continued to expand her horizons by working with the Harvard and Stone team. Initially brought in as a consultant, she eventually became the manager of the bar. Harvard and Stone held a special place in Yael's heart, and she fondly recalls the unique atmosphere and experiences she had there. Even during a recent visit, the bar remained unchanged, a testament to its enduring charm.
Yael's journey in the hospitality industry also extends beyond bartending. She started a coconut water company, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to explore different avenues within the industry. This further highlights the dynamic nature of the hospitality field, where individuals can find success and fulfillment by embracing new opportunities and following their passions.
In conclusion, Yael's exploration of different bars and cocktails has shaped her career and allowed her to discover her true passion for mixology. Her journey serves as a reminder of the diverse and dynamic nature of the hospitality industry, where individuals from various backgrounds can find success and fulfillment. By embracing new opportunities and following her passions, Yael has created a unique path for herself in the world of bars and cocktails. Her story is a testament to the power of exploration and the endless possibilities that await those who are willing to step outside of their comfort zones.
Coconut Water Company and Music Festivals.
The Coconut Water Company and Music Festivals
The podcast transcript reveals an interesting connection between the Coconut Water Company and music festivals. The speaker, Yael, describes her involvement with the company and how it has allowed her to pursue her dreams in the music festival industry.
Yael initially describes the Coconut Water Company as a client that she has been working with. She explains that the owner of the company, Tal, approached her a few years ago and asked her to run three music festivals for him. At the time, Yael was fully employed in a corporate job as a beverage director, but she was drawn to the opportunity to work in the music festival industry.
Yael had previous experience working with a team called Road Soda, which she describes as her favorite team to work with. She loves chaos, being outdoors, and everything that music festivals entail. She had always dreamed of being on the road and running music festivals as a beverage director. While she was content with her job at the time, there was always a lingering dream of pursuing this alternative path.
When Tal approached her with the opportunity to run music festivals for the Coconut Water Company, Yael initially hesitated due to her full-time job. However, Tal was persistent and did not let her say no. Yael ultimately decided to take on the challenge and has been running productions for the company ever since.
In addition to music festivals, Tal also expressed interest in creating a coconut water product. Yael, having connections in the industry, suggested making a natural and sparkling version of the coconut water. She also expressed her fascination with flavor science and product development, which made this opportunity even more appealing to her.
The intention behind the coconut water product was to create a mixer for the massive festivals. Yael explains that they added a little bit of citric acid to the sparkling coconut water so that it could be mixed with vodka without the need for fresh lime. The product was designed to be convenient and suitable for the music festival environment.
Yael also mentions that the Coconut Water Company has expanded its reach beyond music festivals. They have started targeting hotel room beverage services, pool service, and health food stores. Yael highlights a health food store called Body Energy Club as a close friend and supporter of the company.
The podcast transcript also briefly touches on Yael's involvement in dance at the festivals. Yael and her production team attended Tales of the Cocktail, where they incorporated dance into the festivals. The speaker recalls a specific moment at the Monkey Shoulder event where she was twirling around, showcasing her dance skills.
In conclusion, the Coconut Water Company's collaboration with Yael and her involvement in music festivals has provided her with the opportunity to pursue her dreams and explore her passion for mixology. Yael's journey serves as a reminder of the diverse and dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. It demonstrates that individuals from various backgrounds can find success and fulfillment by embracing new opportunities and following their passions. Yael's story is a testament to the power of exploration and the endless possibilities that await those who are willing to step outside of their comfort zones.
Struggle of balancing art and production.
The podcast transcript reveals the struggle of balancing art and production, as discussed by the podcast guests. Yael, one of the guests, shares her experience as a dancer and producer, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices she has had to make in order to pursue her passion.
Yael begins by mentioning her recent performance with her aerial coach, Noel. However, she reveals that she is currently injured and on the mend. She also mentions a personal loss that has affected her ability to dance in the moment. Despite these setbacks, Yael expresses her appreciation for incorporating artistry into spaces that are typically associated with drinks and entertainment.
Yael then discusses the difficulty of producing and performing simultaneously. She mentions having back-to-back double bookings and the pressure it puts on her and her team. She acknowledges that even with organization and preparation, there are still compromises and limitations. Balancing the roles of dancer and producer is mentally challenging, and Yael finds inspiration from one of her directors who successfully manages both roles.
When asked about how she decompresses, Yael shares that she recharges through connection and physical activities like exercise. She mentions that she is not the type to meditate and prefers other forms of relaxation, such as watching Netflix or enjoying food. The other podcast guests also share their methods of decompressing, including collecting menus and spending time with family.
The struggle of balancing art and production is evident throughout the podcast. Yael's dedication to her craft is evident as she discusses her injury and personal loss, which have hindered her ability to train and perform. The pressure of producing and performing back-to-back shows takes a toll on her mental well-being and puts stress on her team. However, Yael's passion for dance and artistry shines through as she expresses her appreciation for the opportunity to incorporate it into different spaces.
In conclusion, the podcast transcript highlights the challenges faced by artists who also take on production roles. Yael's experience serves as a reminder of the difficulties and sacrifices involved in pursuing one's passion. Balancing art and production requires mental strength, organization, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Despite the struggles, Yael's dedication and passion for her craft are evident, and she continues to find ways to incorporate artistry into her work.
Podcast is a form of talk therapy.
The podcast transcript begins with a discussion about the therapeutic nature of podcasts. The speaker mentions that participating in a podcast is a form of talk therapy, a way to sit and talk, reflect, discover, and explore. This highlights the idea that podcasts can provide a space for individuals to share their thoughts and experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations.
The speaker also mentions the historical standpoint of tracing roots, history, and paths, emphasizing the importance of understanding how we got to where we are. This suggests that podcasts can serve as a platform for storytelling, sharing personal narratives, and exploring the connections between past and present.
The conversation then shifts to the calming vibe of one of the speakers, the host's father. This demonstrates that podcasts can create a soothing and comforting atmosphere, allowing listeners to relax and engage in a conversation that feels safe and supportive.
However, the father also mentions that his calm exterior does not always reflect his internal emotions, stating that he can easily become overwhelmed or angry. This highlights the idea that podcasts can provide an outlet for individuals to express their true feelings and emotions, even if they may not always be evident on the surface.
The transcript then transitions to a different segment of the podcast, where the host is at a bar making a cocktail. This segment showcases the host's expertise and passion for mixology, and serves as a form of entertainment for the listeners. This demonstrates that podcasts can provide a diverse range of content, catering to different interests and hobbies.
Overall, the podcast transcript supports the idea that podcasts can serve as a form of talk therapy. They provide a platform for individuals to share their thoughts and experiences, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore various topics. Additionally, podcasts can create a calming and supportive atmosphere, allowing listeners to relax and connect with the hosts and guests. Whether it is through storytelling, mixology, or other forms of content, podcasts have the potential to provide therapeutic benefits and contribute to personal growth and self-reflection.
