Not even a global pandemic could stop Garnett Phillip. At a time when several businesses across the country were shuttered due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, with the love and consistent patronage of her community, her business did more than survive. They thrived.
You have established yourself as a renowned business strategist. What led to your decision to spread your messages using rum and tradition?
I am Ethiopian & Trinidadian, and my culture plays a big part of who I am. I have watched rum flow through my Caribbean side for events, gatherings, holidays, etc. I have been a bartender for years and enjoyed traveling the islands. It only made sense to focus on rum cocktails. Rum is a huge part of my culture and what our people have created. I am an African & Caribbean woman, this is where I belong. I have an obligation to spread the word!!!
For those that don’t know, explain what it means to be a rum enthusiast?
I love rum. Literally love to mix it, talk about it, discuss the origins, and educate myself about it. I am someone who is obsessed with rum.
You successfully opened the Rogers Garden during the pandemic. How did you overcome the challenges of the time that led to so many businesses closing?
I had the support of my community. That was the only way I survived. I was terrified that I would lose everything I worked hard for. We did not qualify for any PPP’s as we missed the mark for when you had to be opened, although I was operating, paying contractors, and started service July 2020! I felt abandoned by my political leaders, and it was stressful.
Describe the process for determining which items you include on your menu.
I really can’t answer that question. Not sure how to. It’s a mood and how we are feeling that determines where to begin. Some rums give me a feeling. It’s not easy to explain. I have to play around with the rums, syrups, juices, and liquors to find the right taste. Then we go into the design of the cocktail as far as garnishes and glassware is concerned. It’s super detailed and the amount of retakes we go through before we finalize the cocktail is intense. THEN, I name it. lol
If you had to pick one beverage that best represents your brands, which would it be?
I would say my Rodney Bay Rum Punch. It means a lot to me because out of all the islands I’ve visited, St. Lucia’s rum punch was magical to me. So, I understood the concept and decided to recreate my own version. It’s all about the spices for me!
As a woman of color, did you face adversities that were directly related to race and gender?
Of course, I live in America. I am a black woman in a predominantly white male industry. Sometimes people speak to me as if I do not know this business or maybe that I should not have my own bar. It’s weird.
What can our audience expect from Phillip Studios and Rum Talks?
Phillip Studios is producing Rum Talks. It’s about community, business owners and amazing rums. They should expect amazing interviews about rums, people and culture!
Do you have any professional advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Build your business COVID friendly. Interact with like minded business owners. Never give up! Try to have a cushion when opening. You better have a good lawyer for your lease, an amazing CPA, and a dope bookkeeper. Sales tax is not your money so you better put it aside.
Be’n Original
