Meet Tyemerica Gbandawa | Bartending Instructor & Bartender

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

Hi Tyemerica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There were many reasons behind creating Kocktail Kulture. The first reason was when I first began working in the service industry there was no one that wanted to help me. Bartenders were extremely catty. I recall my first night working at a club, as a shot girl, down in the Vista. The club manager introduced me to two girls that I would be working along side of. The first night they were somewhat helpful by showing me around and getting me acquainted in becoming a shot girl. However, the second night I worked the completely ignored me, and I was on my own. I messed up a few times trying to recall functions of the POS systems, but soon got the hang of it. They felt that another shot girls was intruding in on their money and customers, which was not my intent. My second night I cashed out on $400 working 4 hours. The girls not helping me only motivated me to prove that I could be successful without them. Years later I still remember the treatment I received at most clubs I worked, as I worked my way from a shot girls to a bartender, so I developed Kocktail Kulture to be the individual that I never had coming up in the service industry- a reference, someone that new bartenders could reach out to if they needed help.
Another reason I created Kocktail Kulture is because the service industry can often be vain. As I get older, I know there will come a time that I won’t be able to work in a high volume or nightlife setting, so I wanted to create a business where I could still be actively involved in bartending, help others grow in the industry, and not have to work until 2 or 3am.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One thing that sets me apart from other business owners is I don’t view others who also teach bartending classes as competition. I have taught many students that have taken other bartending classes who have said “I took ….. bartending class and I didn’t learn nearly half of what I learned in your class.” I take pride in introducing students to new material, facts, and techniques when teaching.

I believe I was able to grow and become successful in the service industry as a bartending instructor because I’ve always stuck to my principles and my word. I believe because of this, my customers, coworkers, and others trust me and have developed a tremendous respect for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some spots that I’ve been meaning to visit: First, we would check out Steel Hands Brewery in Cayce. I heard some great things about this brewery; from the various tasty beer selections which are housed and dispensed directly from the brewery to the lively performances from various artist that create a great vibe while enjoying the outdoor scenery.
Next, I would try to catch a Gamecocks Football game. Even though, the season maybe sold out, we could tailgate or bar hop, which would probably be just a fun.
Breakfast at Ruiz is a cozy, brunch spot that I have visited before, but would definitely try again. The food is top notch , with great service and flavorful cocktails.
We would also have to get seats to one of the live jazz performances at Chayz Lounge, also in West Columbia. The food, atmosphere, decor, and cocktails are OUTSTANDING!! I’m not going to say anything else about the venue other than CHECK IT OUT!
Next we would probably have to venture out of South Carolina into North Carolina to the US National Whitewater Center. I’m always down for a nature and/or water adventure trip.
Once we return to South Carolina, we would probably venture down to Charleston for a shopping adventure at the outlets and many storefronts Charleston offers. Then check out a great seafood restaurant that may be recommended by some of the locals.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shannon & Wayne for believing in me by allowing me to be the pioneer of managing the bar of the S Bar in Columbia. They saw the potential I have and allowed me to manage the bar because of my knowledge of the service industry, excellent customer service and my track record in the industry. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. Also, the owner of a venue formally known as Waiting To Exhale Hookah Lounge, the owner of Krab Kingz Columbia, and owners of Alleana’s, all of which allowed me to either host bartending classes at their locations and/or bar consulting by setting up the entire bar to include staffing, training, and vendor referrals.

Instagram: Sip_mai_Ty

Other: Another IG: @koctailkulture

Image Credits
Marcus Jones of Marcus Jones Photography