Mixing it Up

Mixing it up!

Leaving home for a career is not unusual these days. However, for a woman to leave home to pursue and unusual career like being a bartender is definitely unusual.

By Aditi Thirani

Meet Sonali Mullick who left Kolkata after a graduation in commerce to pursue her dream in the hospitality industry. But Mumbai wasn't the final stop in her journey either. After working in Mumbai, Sonali moved to Muscat to pursue her career for another two years and moved back to pursue bar training in Mumbai. "I kept moving because for me, growth was of utmost importance. I have always enjoyed learning new things and the one thing I don't enjoy is monotony,"says Sonali.

Being a woman in control of her own destiny is something Sonali finds most important. "I like to be in control of things. That authority is never given to a woman is what I can't do without. I have always taken my decisions and will always do,"she emphasizes. Shatbi Basu was her inspiration in life. "I always loved the magic created by mixing drinks for people I don't know! And it is a good feeling to send them home fully content and happy! Although I'd like more respect and appreciation, it will take time for that to happen,"she adds.

"Being a woman is a challenge in itself. I am sure every woman faces some challenges no matter what field she is in. My case is better because we have bouncers and a lot of security standing for our protection. Actually, it all depends on the individual and to she's seen as. If you carry yourself well with dignity, no man can misbehave with you,"she suggests. It also helps that times have changed and women are now more commonplace in the workplace.

Going forward, Sonali dreams of opening a bartending school and a place where there won't be any straight drinks but only cocktails and shooters! "Personally, I don't drink, but I love to mix them and give people a couple of new mixes they never heard of or what something they haven't tried so far... it's a heady feeling,"she says. And she's quick to extend an invitation as well. "Come and join me and my club,"says Sonali.

Widely regarded for her cheerful demeanor, she is known as a happy person and does smile a lot. Her nature comes across as very friendly and understanding. "I don't like blowing my own trumpet, but I like to get credit when due. After all, it's better to be real!"

While the world has changed, a lot of subtle differences remain, feels Sonali. "Women in unusual professions like mine have to face a lot of angst. Society feels that we are the rebels and may be a bad influence on others. This attitude should change. Women must do whatever they enjoy with self-confidence, zeal and pride. And that will happen when they start expecting respect and learn to love themselves,"insists Sonali.