Meet Kaitlyn Schmidt | Bartender & Aspiring Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaitlyn Schmidt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaitlyn, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I believe there is never a reason to give up. We only get one chance at life, and nothing should stop you from living the life you want to live. When I was younger I wanted to give up countless times. I’ve had a pretty bad speech impediment my whole life. As long as I can remember, I struggled with my speech and it completely shaped me. In elementary school, my speech was at its worst. I could barely make it through a sentence without stuttering. I noticed that no one around me sounded the way I did. I became extremely self conscious and shy because of this. I had a small group of friends that never mentioned anything about it. Around them I was slightly more outgoing because I was comfortable. I would sit in class panicking because I didn’t want to get called on. This also lead me to not fully learn and develop as a person. I never had any interest in anything for my future. I never knew what I wanted to do when I was older because I kept thinking, what “can” I do, instead of thinking what do I “want” to do. I was so worried about my speech which made it hard to be excited or even want a future for myself. As I got older, I learned how to avoid my stutter. I would try to avoid words I knew I struggled with. This did slightly help in my daily life with my friends, but definitely did not help relieve the anxiety I carried on a daily basis. Finally in my sophomore year of high school, I started seeing a speech therapist at school. I would go to her once a week and i’d tell my friends I was at “extra help” for a class. I have always been someone that doesn’t like asking for help or being vulnerable. I didn’t want to talk about my speech with my friends or family because I felt embarrassed. I felt like something was wrong with me. Most people around me didn’t even realize I struggled so badly with stuttering because I hid it so well. Even simple tasks like answering a phone or ordering food at a restaurant was horrifying for me. During my senior year of high school I applied for a job. This was huge for me. I went to the interview and while I was on my way, I was surprisingly calm. I had this feeling that everything would work out and there was nothing to be worried about. I got the job and was so proud of myself. After all these years of wanting to give up, I finally was happy I didn’t. Today, five years later, I still work at the same restaurant and have worked my way up learning almost every position. I’m currently a bartender and have completely changed as a person. I have become more comfortable talking about my speech struggles and barely stutter anymore because of the confidence I have gained. I would’ve never imagined myself being where and who I am today. I am so glad my younger self stayed strong and never gave up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am very proud of myself for how far I have come and how i’ve developed as a person. I took risks in order to become who I am today and it definitely wasn’t easy for me. After working at the restaurant for two years, my manager at the time was looking for bartenders to hire. I immediately jumped for the opportunity. Even though she was concerned I couldn’t do it because I was too shy, she gave me a shot. I was terrified at first but I learned to adjust. I’ve learned to throw myself into uncomfortable situations in order to grow. Over the three years I have been bartending I have became a completely different person. If I didn’t take that risk, I would have never found myself and my confidence. Today I am trying to build a name/business for myself. I am starting to create content on social media and work with brands in fashion, makeup, skincare, and more. Along with that, I have always wanted to start some sort of business, possibly in fashion or bartending. I really would love to work for myself in the future and be my own boss, while doing what I enjoy. I will always stand by taking risks in life and learning to take any opportunity that comes along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I currently live in Long Island NY. There are so many small towns and beautiful places to explore. I’m personally a beach girl, so id definitely have to make a stop at the beach. One of my favorite places to go in the summer is Salt Shack. They have a bar with delicious drinks and beautiful views of the beach. Some friends of mine play volleyball over there and it’s honestly such a highlight of every summer. I’m not into playing but I love to go support and watch the sunset while having a frozen drink on the beach! I work in Huntington Village which is also one of my favorite spots. There are so many restaurants and bars to choose from, It’s feels like a mini NYC! Also can’t forget about my hometown, Northport. I have so many memories down there throughout my whole life. I love talking walks with my pup on the dock and enjoying the scenery on a beautiful day. Also can’t forget to stop at Sand City brewery for a beer or at Lics for some ice cream!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I truly would not be who I am today without the support of my family and friends around me. I’m so grateful to have met the speech therapist at my high school. Her name is Ms. Bowden and she is incredible. She made me feel comfortable talking about my speech and anything else that went on in my life at the time. I looked forward to my meetings with her because she brought me so much peace. I finally realized my stutter is not the end of the world and shouldn’t hold me back from anything. I am forever grateful to have met and worked with her. I want to thank her for absolutely everything and for being part of the reason I am the person I became. I also have to thank my coworkers that I have been working with for years. The minute I started working, everyone around me was extremely supportive and really helped crack my shell little by little. I am so grateful to have been given so many opportunities to grow through the business. Today, I have so many regular customers that come in and know me by name. I would have never imagined my life being the way it is today. As crazy as it is, today you can’t get me to stop talking! I’m eternally grateful for my friends, family, and everyone else that has given me endless support through my life. I cannot thank them enough.

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Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kaitlynschmidt