Daily Inspiration: Meet Shakira Canty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakira Canty.

Hi Shakira, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Black girl from the Eastside of Detroit that wanted better. I was tired of working for other people, I wanted to work for myself. I’ve made over 7 million in revenue sales for other companies single-handedly over the course of my career. Keywords: OTHER COMPANIES! I didn’t let fear stop me anymore and decided to start my own mobile bartending company. The type of bartender that travels to you— wherever you are. Company parties, weddings, professional basketball games, professional hockey games, concerts, fine dining, and festivals Tastes of Kewii will meet you there. We come with the bar setup, and we work on getting the permits and necessities to entertain your guests for your event. I’ve just started, but I look forward to where I’m going because I’m doing it for myself.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles make champions, right? I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the struggle and obstacles I’ve had to face along my journey. Being a black woman, being told I shouldn’t do it, being a single mom, you name it! I’ve actually been blessed to come across tons of resources along the way but in the beginning, it was hard without help and mentoring.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Tastes of Kewii is a mobile bartending company that specializes in servicing women who love to host a bomb party. We don’t want any customer here at Tastes of Kewii, we want the girl that understands what it means to host a good party. The one that loves elegance and pays attention to detail. When you go to a restaurant, the first thing you order is a drink; we want to set that same precedence for your party. We want to provide speed, accommodation, and entertainment for every party. Mixing the drinks, showing the different ingredients and flavors, and also that first sip is the experience we want to provide to our guests. We are known for making your classic cocktail look customizable to ANY party or event. I once made one of my favorites, the classic lime margarita, PURPLE! Yep! Same flavors of a margarita just purple, I infused the tequila with butterfly pea tea, added triple sec and sour mix, put it in a cute martini glass, and garnished it with an edible butterfly! I tailored the drink menu to match the person whose party it was and it was such a huge hit!!

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Here are some great bartender books that help me stay creative and help with different techniques and tastes.

Bartender manifesto by Emma Janzon and Toby Maloney Death and co by David Kaplan

Cocktail Codex by David Kaplan, Alex Day, and Nick Fauchald

The joy of mixology by Gary Regan

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tasteshere.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tastesofkewii