Meet C’Lena Shumaker | Mixologist Mentor & CEO of Liquid Loud LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with C’Lena Shumaker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi C’Lena, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was why not?!. I was working long hours on the bar, making money for the owner. I was doing all the hard work as if it was my business and getting no recognition. To the bar owners, I was just another employee, I already had the mindset so I just needed the push. For me, it was the only I had step left!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have a 2-in-1 business, I have digital products and physical products that I offer. The digital is where I teach bartenders how to make 6-figures with their mobile bartending co and drink brand, The products is my drink brand called Liquid Loud. Being that I have 12years experience as a mixologists,thats what sets me aside from others. I know what I’m doing! I decide to start my very own drink brand where I sell CBD infused drinks, lemonades, sweet teas, non alcoholic drink mixers, drinks and snaxx. While on the bar I started my drink brand. I was actually doing my case study on the bar and nobody knew, but that’s where I came up with my drink recipes and perfected them!

I got to where I’m at today business-wise because I never gave up, I learned how to take the lesson out of every situation and pivot. I never had to start over, because I never quit. It may have taken longer, because I didn’t know, a lot but I learned to research and not jump into something just because it sounds good. It definitely wasn’t easy, I’ve had some hard lessons, but I’m glad I was able to have the experience and learn from it.

Some of the lessons I’ve learned was to use plastic instead of glass. Number 1, it’s just cheaper! A few other lessons I’ve learned was read the contracts, make sure your I’s are dotted and T’s crossed. Customer Service and giving an experience goes a long way!! I want the world to know that although I’ve been doing this for 8 years, I’m just getting started! My brand went from 1 drink to over 12 drinks and is growing and getting bigger everyday because Liquid Loud got something to say!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend is visiting Atlanta, and I wanted to take them out I’ll take them to Ponce City Market and we would walk the belt line. Since I’m from Atlanta, its a bit different for me because I rarely go out. But I would definely try the Peach Cobbler Cafe, and Spice House in midtown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my family.! My parents, my twin C’Rena, my sisters Timberly, Charvette and our brother Christopher. They have always spoke life into me every since I started this journey and have had my back no matter what. They invested in me and put me in a high level mentorship when I didn’t have money to invest in it myself! They believe in me whole heartedly and never doubted me for one second. I love and appreciate y’all!

Also, to my friends that encourage me even though I don’t talk to them everyday. They’re on the sidelines rooting, and showing support when they can. It doesn’t go unnoticed. My business partner Nesha, who I haven’t knon long, but constantly stays on top of my head and hold me accountable. That’s something I’ve never had before, I’ve always had to hold myself accountable. But I definitely love and appreciate her for that.

My supporters, and Liquid Loud crew, they always show love! Come to our events, engage on social media, and tell they’re friends and family about our products. Thank you all for your continued support.

Website: www.shopliquidloud.com

Instagram: liquidloudmixers

Twitter: liquidloudmixer

Facebook: liquidloudmixers

Other: My digital website is www.bawsebehindthebar.com