Durban – Based, Minenhle Majola, share’s her story on how she became one of the few black female mixologists.
I finished school in 2005 and went on to study criminal law through UNISA (University of South Africa). I am still busy completing my law degree. I’m a mixologist full time for now and study part-time. I’ll move on from mixing when the time is right and I’m ready to leave the industry.
My first job was at Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment where I was a waitress for eight months. I took a chance and hand delivered my CV to the food and beverage manager at Suncoast, who later called me to do a test and interview for my current job as a bartender.
Life as a mixologist is fun and exciting. I get to experiment with and mix a variety of cocktails and shooters, and I get to master the art of how to pour the perfect draft. I see every glass as a blank canvas and I’m thrilled that I get the opportunity to use my skills to create art by using various colours and mixtures to create the perfect drink. I fell into the bartender industry by chance and was lucky the food and beverage duty manager, Dayalan Govender taught me the necessary skills. Before I got into it, I’d never really thought of becoming a mixologist, but I’m enjoying it now though.
As a woman in this industry it makes me happy to be able to change the perception of bartenders being male. I sometimes have encounters with clients who still carry that perception but when I get to serve them and we chat, I feel like they are able to relate to me and by the time they leave, their views have surely changed.
Last year I participated in the SAB draughtsman competition. I won the regional leg of the competition and represented KwaZulu Natal in the national competition where I was runner up.
As enjoyable as my job is, I still face challenges including having to deal with different personalities and people from different walks of life. Guests can be very demanding at times and you have to constantly be calm and serve them with a smile. The hospitality industry is very fast paced and always busy, you have to stay focused on what you are doing as mistakes can easily happen. I take my work seriously because I am passionate and I love what I do, which makes the hard times much easier.
Survival in the job means being a master at being calm, dedicated, and observant; you must be flexible and friendly and not shy around crowds of people.
A mixologist earns between R5000 to R6000 a month.
If you want to follow my path, you’d have to be passionate about the industry because it’s hard work. You also need to be open-minded and creative. Never stop learning as this career is a craft and you will only get better at it if you practice.
