Meet De’Qustay Johnson | Professional Mixologist: Client Experience Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with De’Qustay Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi De’Qustay, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
For any successful business, developing and selling a good product or service is only half the battle. Providing your customers with great customer support is just as important. As you know, shopping is as much of a transaction as it is an experience. You want to make your customer feel appreciated for their business. It’s all about giving phenomenal experiences. By providing the best customer service experiences, your customers will associate that good feeling with the transaction. They will then be more likely to come back and transact with your business again. Also, word of mouth is huge in building your brand. It is very important to build a great reputation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Outside of my business, I currently work as a Bartender for The Cheesecake Factory. I am proud to say I have been with the company now for almost 11 years. This company has contributed so much to my business because Cheesecake Factory is where I got my big start in the profession. If you would have told me 10 years this would be where I am bartending with my own mobile business, I probably would have laughed. Bartending definitely did not come easy. This had to be one of my greatest challenges. Especially considering how complex the drink recipes were and trying to make them on such a high volume scale. At the time I first started I was long along side such talented bartenders that had years of experience and because of this it was quite intimidating. But had I not had those experiences with them, I would be the skilled Mixologist I am today. And for that I am truly grateful. Being with this company has taught me so much. It truly has increased my customer service skills, professionalism, and patience lol. Working for this company doing what I love gave me the push to start my own business.

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?
One thing about this city is it definitely has many great things to do and experience. My week would go as follows: Monday: The Roof at Ponce City Market (The ambiance is gorgeous, especially for food and cocktails.) Tuesday: Barber Bistro (Great food, great vibes, and live DJ) Wednesday: Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, Simon Malls (Because everyone needs to shop lol!!!) Thursday: Little 5 Points(I love how Hippie and dope the environment is here. Great for photo ops.) Friday: The Battery (So many nice bars, and restaurants, literally a really fun vibe.) Saturday: Compound Night Club (Beautiful scene and also has an outside lounge option) Sunday: Atlantis Restaurant & Lounge (Perfect way to end the week with good food, good energy, with live music.) This definitely is the perfect week for me and my bestie for sure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a few different people I would like to shout out for contributing to my success. First I would like to recognize my Uncle/Mentor Riko Harris with iPush Magazine LLC for being the the backbone of my upbringing. I would not be where I am without the love, support, and constant guidance from him. My team of best friends Toshiba, Cierra, Julie, Sydney, Eric, Carlos, Antwon, Alexis. Let ,me tell you about this amazing group of individuals. They have been my counselors, creatives, photographers, personal assistants, cheerleaders, and everything else that was needed to push through when I felt I wasn’t good enough and some days wanting to throw in the towel. To my creative team Dekira, Patrick, Alyssa, and John. I cannot repay you enough for investing in my dreams and wanting to see me succeed as much as I want you to win. But last but not least thank you Voyage ATL/Shout Out ATL for recognition. It definitely fuels me to continue to build my brand and push even further!

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/DeQustayJCocktails

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DeQustayJCocktailsINC

Image Credits
DeKira Woods: Photographer/Creative Director