Meet Crisa Robinson: YL Mixxes Mobile Bartending

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crisa Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crisa, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
I have a 7 year old son and the most important part of parenting to me is leaving behind a legacy. When I was young no one taught me financial literacy and I didn’t have assets that were passed down for me, so it is very important to make sure I leave something to my children and their children whether it’s in form of retirement savings, land, or just the knowledge to be able to succeed. I currently have life insurance for my family if something happens to me, I invest weekly into a 401k Roth retirement plan, and I also teach him daily about the basics of saving.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Crisa, but when I’m on the bar I get to be YL Mixxes. As a brand I wanted to change how event bartenders are thought to be formal and uptight, almost like bellman or drivers who open the door for clients day on d day out. We have personalities and our individualism is show thru the drinks we create and events we cater to. When I am working an event, I want my clients to feel me, I want my clients to feel like not only are they receiving a service but thru drinks we may be able to connect thru shared experiences. A bartender does not just make drinks, we are therapists, counselors, and on the rarest occasions babysitters haha. When COVID hit, the hospitality industry all but shut down. Most of us changed careers and if we were lucky worked reduced hours on the bar while also juggling second jobs. Because of social distancing guidelines and most being out of work this has also reduced the amount of events that were booked and drastically affected the art of tipping; which is understandable. But because of this a lot of us have gone from bartenders to teachers, stay at home moms, and other odd jobs to make ends meet. I say all this to say if you are able to indulge in the service of a bartender or anyone in hospitality make sure we all remember that they too are people and have families that they are risking their health to provide for. Despite the challenges of the pandemic I am excited about the changes coming to the hospitality industry and am excited to get back behind a bar and adapt to our new world. I can’t wait to hear the stories that this unique year has brought us while my client drinks a dirty martini or over an old fashioned because I know we all have plenty to share. Through this time of pandemic I have learned to persevere, I have learned that I am the ruler of my fate. I picked up a second job at night loading trucks at UPS after the bars shut down and it taught me how strong I am. During the day I teach my son as he is in virtual school so it really taught me patience. YL Mixxes represents all of us, the working person, the working family, and that’s why we can cater to any event.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmm… I’m an Atlanta native born and raised and I wouldn’t pick anywhere else to live and grow a family. Okay first after picking up my Friend from the hartsfield jackson airport we would have to stop by Lickety split for a bite to eat since we are on the south side. They have a cool chill bar and also have the best catfish nuggets and other southern favorites. After checking into their Air BnB which I would suggest is located in either midtown or downtown so they can be in the middle of the city and close to public transportation. Later in that afternoon we would have to check out the King Center, burial place of Dr.Martin Luther King. I respect Atlanta being home to the original civil rights period and without these leaders we wouldn’t have become the black Mecca that we are today. We would end our day with grabbing dinner from Harolds Chicken & Ice Bar, they have the best soul food. The second day on our itinerary I would start the day early and go to Six Flags amusement park, because every one has to hit six flags at least once in the summer even if you hate roller coasters like me. After a long day at the park we would come back to room and rest up and get changed for the night. As a black business owner I’m big on supporting black businesses when you can so I would hit Escobar on Peters Street that night. Escobar has a cool bar and delicious food that doesn’t just taste good because you’re drunk haha. Escobar is owned by 2Chainz and Snoop (not the rapper) and on any given night you may see a local celebrity. So if you’re looking for a fun and safe party we would hit Escobar that night. After Escobar we definitely gotta hit the Waffle House to soak up the alcohol after the turn up.
On our last day I would start off the morning by having breakfast at The Atlanta Breakfast Club, one of my favorite spots to grab brunch. After brunch we would head to Northside Drive to visit the Trap Museum, owned by TI. You gotta hit this spot at least once when visiting the city. After getting some cool pics to post on our IG we would leave the Trap Museum and go around the corner to grab some late lunch from the Atlanta staple Busy Bees. Busy Bees is another awesome soul food spot located in the west side of the city. After Busy Bees, we would get changed jump on the Marta train to head downtown to ride the Ferris wheel that’s across from Centennial Olympic park. This would give us the change to walk downtown and catch some great pics of the city view at night from the top of the Ferris wheel. After a quick ride on the Ferris wheel we would head up the street and end our night at Uptown Comedy Corner, one of the oldest and best comedy clubs in the city! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
They say it takes a village to raise a child and I’m a firm believer in this. Growing up I learned my earliest lessons by participating in sports. I give credit to my local Andrew Young YMCA for surrounding me with lots of mentors and coaches that helped my growth as a child and surrounded me with a positive environment. I also was raised in the church so I have a very strong spiritual foundation which was instilled by my father and mother. My parents and grandparents are huge emotional support systems of my life and I couldn’t navigate this world without them I’m very appreciative. Last but not least my wife is my right hand man and partner in crime lol she’s always by my side thru thick and thin whether it’s handling the administrative duties of YL Mixxes or being my bar back for an event!

Website: YLMixxes.com

Instagram: OG_Crisa

Twitter: OG_YLCrisa

Other: Phone-(770) 765-7643