Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Gonzales.
Dominique Gonzales started early in the restaurant industry as a host and eventually moving into bartending when she turned 21. “It was the creativity and competitions that really got me involved with bartending and inspired me to pursue this path,” said Gonzales.
She won her first cocktail competition when she was 23 and was further inspired to follow this craft. She soon found that creating cocktails was a creative outlet for her. Her most recent win earned her a trip to New Orleans after winning a Negroni competition in Santa Barbara.
Her passion for bartending eventually led her into another chapter in her life: Root Elixirs. “The idea for Root Elixirs came from my love for craft cocktails and I wanted others who share this love to be able to bring the craft into their home, without all effort,” shared Gonzales. Dominique creates carbonated mixers that feature some of her favorite cocktails, from a Moscow Mule, White Linen, Strawberry Mimosa, and a Spicy Paloma. Root Elixirs highlights the freshness and simplicity of fresh craft cocktails within your own home. She also spends her time serving as one of the managing partners at Nomada Hospitality.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think like everything, there will always be difficult learning curves when you attempt to tackle something new. I found the biggest struggle for me is, how do I take on more, find time to dance a little, laugh, and watch Netflix? The business has a way of creeping into every corner of your life and running you. It happens to me all the time, luckily, less often now thanks to my great team. The hardest thing for me was asking for help, delegating tasks/trusting people, all while working a second job, and personally backing the entire operation. I’ve never been so broke and exhausted in those first couple of years, wondering what the heck I was doing. I’m also, not saying I’m Miss.Zen over here at all today. There are new struggles everyday and some smaller than others. I’ve managed to overcome a lot them by podcasts (How I Built This), surrounding myself with smarter people, and having the support of friends and family.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Root Elixirs story. Tell us more about the business.
Root Elixirs highlights favorite craft cocktails and brings them into your home. By adding fresh citrus to each bottle, quality ingredients and carbonation it’s the perfect go-to mixers. You have all the complex parts of a craft cocktail in Root Elixirs. The product is designed so that anyone can feel like a confident bartender and mix and imbibe delicious drinks wherever they go. We truly believe, Root Elixirs is a staple for everyone’s bar cart or event. Each bottle is great for a couple of craft cocktails.
I think Root Elixirs is something new for the mixing market. It is all the components you need to make a refreshing cocktail, and you get to choose your spirit.
Our favorite combinations that are listed on the bottles
Sunrise Brunch | 3 oz of Root Elixirs Strawberry Lavender + Champagne
Garnish sprig of lavender
Spicy Paloma | 4 oz of Grapefruit Jalapeno + 2 oz Tequila or Mezcal + Ice
Garnish slice of Jalapeno
Minted Moscow Mule | 4 oz of Root Elixirs Ginger Beer + 2 oz Vodka or Bourbon + Ice
Garnish bouquet of Mint
Relax | 4 oz of Root Elixirs Cucumber Elderflower + Gin + Ice
Garnish Cucumber slices
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
This is a tough question because I think while there might be a small luck factor involved, overall I think it comes down to the person. I would hate to think that all the time and sacrifice I’ve chosen in life for my business comes down to, just luck. It’s a constant grind growing and operating a business so I wouldn’t want to discredit all the business owners out there who have tenacity, patience and a strong work ethic. I believe those qualities open doors and make a person successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rootelixirs.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/root_elixirs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootelixirs/
Image Credit:
Ardent Agency
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
