Meet E.J. Bridges | Bartender/Mixologist/Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with E.J. Bridges and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi E.J., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The creation of MAZE Bartending Service came about through several avenues. First, as a Business Educator and Instructor, I frequently teach courses on Entrepreneurship and stress the importance of business ownership especially in the African-American community. Secondly, while working in the Bar/Restaurant Industry, I developed a passion for the art of bartending and mixology. Third, I began to study more into the craft, earning several certifications while also working under several event planning companies in South Carolina. Time passed, and I decided to branch out into my own venture and created MAZE Bartending Service. The name “Maze” came about to honor the memory of my brother, Monquinton Jimaze Thompson.

What should our readers know about your business?
One amazing thing about MAZE Bartending Service is the overall investment we have made in ourselves, myself included. Each of our bartenders and mixologists are graduates of the ABC Bartending School ,which is the LARGEST Bartending School in America. Undergoing several educational courses along with prior experiences and my academic background laid the very foundation to begin this venture. I have learned that when you are doing something that you love, it’s fairly easy and less tiresome. However, It has not always been easy. We, as well as many in the service industry, had to navigate through the uncertainty of the global pandemic. Throughout the past year my team and I have persevered by maintaining our client base and increasing our social media platforms to maintain brand awareness. Throughout the development of MAZE Bartending Service, I have learned that I must be my #1 Fan to achieve success, having a drive and passion for your craft is vital. When I have achieved my final goal for MAZE, I want others to understand that throughout trials and hurdles, I dreamed and I manifested and that they can do,

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In my city of Columbia, SC, I would definitely take them to visit The Vista, which is an area downtown Columbia that hosts several bars and eateries.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would first like to thank my loving and supportive wife, Keshia, who encouraged me to begin this venture and supported me throughout the entire process. I would like to thank my family and friends for their continuous support and love. I’m so grateful for every customer and client that I have had the opportunity to provide services for over the years, I couldn’t grow and develop without them.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mazebartending

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mazebartending