Today we’d like to introduce you to Catalin Ayala.
Catalin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Babes Behind The Bar started when I noticed a void in the craft industry supporting, educating and embracing women. As I met more women in the hospitality industry, I noticed we had similar stories to share. This is where I knew something had to change. If I had a hard time finding a bar back position who else was out there struggling to find there place in this world and support. B.B.T.B. was founded.
I left the fashion industry around 2014 because it was killing my soul. I craved to connect with my customers again like is used to. The fashion industry was natural for me because I always had a natural talent making people feel there best.
We started in Orange County and grew to Los Angeles, Long Beach and now Portland.
For every B.B.T.B. event we do, its important to us that we highlight women in our industry. It can be Bartenders, Bar backs, Resturant/ Bar owners, Spirit Brand owners/ founders. Any female with an inspiring story to incuridge other females they can do it to! We give back to a local female charity every time we do an event. Anything from a Women shelter drive, beach clean up, fundraiser for a Babe in need, etc.
Has it been a smooth road?
The Struggles have been real, supporting myself at regular job while trying to manage our growth has been challenging but rewarding. I’m in tears after every event I do, realizing how much we raised, brought awareness to the cause. Its the dream that I had and became reality.
The biggest struggle for be personally was hearing the stories Babes had shared with me. Everything from mistreatment because of her gender. Or praised only because of there looks and manipulated to preform a certain way so their bar can keep a certain reputation. To verbal assault and sexual assault.
Please tell us about Babes Behind The Bar.
We are more of an organization, we are known for our events. We try to make it a fresh look at the way our industry celebrates. Our two musts on starting an event is highlighting women and giving back! The thing im most proud of is how much we’ve grown and how B.B.T.B. is wanted all over the US. Watch out world we are coming and thriving!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Women do rule the world, we have so many voices, so many inspiring females to look up to, we can rule at it all as long as we continue being BABES! Empowering each other is key to all of our success. I see the trend going to education, giving chances to inexperienced. We started somewhere, we should all be given the right education and treatment.
Contact Info:
- Website: babesbehindthebar.com
- Email: babesbehindthebar@gmail.com
- Instagram: @babesbehindthebar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Babesbehindthebar
Image Credit:
Aaron Alvarado @Aaron.thephotographer, Julio Morales @jvliom
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