JANAE THOMAS shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi JANAE, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are dedicated to God. I start with a devotion, prayer, and meditation while listening to something uplifting. Then I make my bed, brew some tea or mushroom coffee, straighten up my space, and prepare for a soft, great day. I usually put on The Quote of the Day Show or another motivational podcast to keep me inspired as I get moving.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m JaNae Thomas, the owner of Glamorous Drinks Luxury Bar Service. I’m also building a community that inspires women to step into their CEO era, teaching them what they need to build successful businesses and protect their legacies.
What makes Glamorous Drinks unique is that we don’t just bartend. We create an experience. From the very first inquiry to the final toast, we curate every detail. We craft signature cocktails and mocktails that make guests feel celebrated, and we bring a vibe so warm and elevated that we become a staple at every event.
Our team is intentionally made up of stunning women of color who embody beauty, excellence, and professionalism. Clients don’t just get bartenders. They get brand ambassadors who reflect luxury, inclusivity, and empowerment. We also offer delicious ready-made cocktails online, because every occasion deserves a Glamorous Drinks.
Outside of that, I’m a Pilates instructor (which you’ll see more of soon!), and I love fashion, trust me, I’m always going to give you a look. I’m becoming THAT GIRL and enjoying every moment of the journey.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was honestly just a little girl with the biggest dreams. I would sing all the time, dance around, and at one point I was convinced I was going to be a singer back when B2K was everything. Then I watched Legally Blonde and instantly thought I wanted to be a lawyer, not just to practice law but so I could literally dress like Elle Woods and learn everything about it. But once I realized how long school would take and all the technical details that came with it, I quickly decided absolutely not. In short, I was always a Dreamer!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time when I almost gave up.
When I first moved to Los Angeles, I had years of experience in the bar, lounge, and club industry, including staff management. My thought was simple: move to Hollywood, get hired at one of the top clubs, and of course I’d make it. I had the look, the experience, the résumé, why not? The plan was to work nights and use my days to pursue entertainment hosting.
But it didn’t work out that way. Not one of the top clubs or lounges I wanted to work at would hire me. I kept making it to the final rounds of casting calls and still wouldn’t get chosen. On paper, I was overqualified. In reality, I wasn’t being hired because I was a Black woman. From 2013–2016, it simply wasn’t popular to have Black women on Hollywood bar or lounge staffs.
I almost gave up.
But instead, I pivoted. I started bartending on the weekends, picking up small private jobs through Thumbtack. I still remember being up late one night on Craigslist searching for jobs, and stumbling across Thumbtack on Google. That’s when I decided. I’ll create my own business.
And that’s exactly what I did.
Today, I have Glamorous Drinks, a luxury service that not only creates unforgettable experiences for clients, but also provides opportunities for Black and brown women in this industry; opportunities I was denied. Through my company, they now have access, representation, and endless possibilities.
What almost broke me actually built me.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Smart people are totally getting it wrong by believing they have to have everything figured out before they start. While it feels “smart” to want everything prepared, that mindset actually delays results and kills momentum.
The truth is, you don’t need it all mapped out. Just start. Tell people about your business, even if every detail isn’t worked out yet. Put yourself out there. No one will know about your idea or your vision if you never launch it. Progress comes from movement, not perfection.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people tell the story that everything JaNae did was about finding the purpose God gave her and sharing it with the world. That has always been my sincere goal.
I want people to understand that Glamorous Drinks, my time at D’USSÉ Cognac, and every business I create is rooted in creating opportunities for others. Nothing I do is just for me. That’s why it’s so important for me to walk fully in my creative purpose and become all that God has called me to be.
Because the truth is—me living at my full potential is tied to someone else’s blessing. My obedience is connected to someone else’s destiny.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glamorousdrinks.com
- Instagram: @GlamorousJaNae @GlamorousDrinks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janae-thomas-28847122
- Other: Tik Tok: @GlamorousJaNae @GlamorousDrinks
Image Credits
Melissa K. McGowan Photography- main picture of me in blazer
Jennifer Johnson- picture of me with Ciroc Bottle
Misfits and A Baby-picture with collage of bottles
