Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Farah.
Hi Monique, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story began in 2007 during the writer’s strike. I was focused on pursuing a career in film and television after graduating from film school at LMU. As the industry halted so did all the jobs and I needed an income quick. In desperation, I applied for a job as a host at Nic’s martini lounge and restaurant in Beverly Hills. My first day I walked in and saw what could only be described as Vodka Heaven. In the back of the lounge stood a 28 degree walk-in vodka exhibition freezer, called The Vodbox. It housed over 90 different vodkas from around the world. Guests were already waiting when we opened to get their faux fur coats and hats and enter the freezer.
The owner and esteemed Chef at Nic’s was Larry Nicola. He knew more about vodka than anyone I had ever met. Although I had applied as a host, I could tell he was looking for someone to pass down the torch. I took the opportunity to learn about all 90 vodkas and pitch myself to him as one of his vodka experts. I ended up conducted hundreds of vodka tastings to sharpen my skills, many with distillers and distributors. Eventually I was teaching them flavor notes about their own spirits they had yet to detect. I also started infusing my own vodka and selling to various restaurants and television shows.
I decided to take my skills outside of the Vodbox and began writing for several magazines and websites as their resident vodka expert including; The Tasting Panel, Chilled Magazine, The Divine Addiction and Alcoholmanic. I also appeared in several TV shows including, Hell’s Kitchen, The Hills, Mary Mary and various news broadcasts. I eventually branched out into education with online courses at Typsy.com. Typsy specializes in classes for restaurant and spirit industry professionals.
I’ve spent the last 18 years becoming one of the top vodka experts in California. It took a lot of work and even more vodka 😉
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Vacillating between the film and spirit industry is always a struggle. Neither one boasts consistency or any clear path to success. I have a strong passion for both and try to keep the hustle always going. They are industries based on relationships, creativity and constant reinvention, which can be difficult if you’re not well equipped to take on the challenge. I think I’m more than capable.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Although I am known as a vodka expert, I have become a strong documentary director. I am currently pitching one of my own, and I executive produced and directed a very impactful episode of Uncensored, with Lamar Odom on TVONE. This was one of the first interviews he had done after he almost died in a brothel in Nevada. I specialize in asking the right questions and helping people feel comfortable to express themselves. This lends itself in both the unscripted and the spirits world . I truly care about the people I meet, and have built strong, life long relationships
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risks are the only way I know how to live, otherwise I would have chosen a career that offers some level of consistency. I refuse to have a plan B because I believe that much in myself. That belief is the greatest risk so far. Of course I have my moments wondering if I should have chosen a road more traveled. If I had picked any other industry, I have no doubt I’d be far more successful than I am at this point. But that’s the thing about pursuing your dreams, if you aren’t your biggest cheerleader, you should stop before your start.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @themoefarah
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm3095051/
