Meet Kia Conyer | Mixologist & Certified Bartender

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

Hi Kia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For many years I have struggled to find my passion and if I even had one at all. I am a student of life and have had no problem going out and learning something new and/or expanding on knowledge I already have. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management and spent years in the engineering and project management industry. I love my career and what I do, but there is a difference in loving what you do and pursuing your passion. When I moved to the Atlanta metro area and had to take on part time work in addition to working full time. I could not (at first) for the life of me figure out what kind of part time work I wanted to do. I decided that I was going to step out of my comfort zone and pursue bartending. Of course, I wanted to make sure that whatever it was that I chose to do I would be good at it and was properly trained. I enrolled in Atlanta’s ABC bartending school. I began working as a mobile bartender; bartending for all kinds of events from conferences, weddings, birthday parties, corporate/office events, and more. I instantly fell in love with the idea of being able to provide a professional, yet fun service to people, and know that I was a part of making someone’s event great. That is my passion! Being able to brighten at least one person’s day and bring LIGHT to their event! And being able to do that all on my own terms, my way is why I created LIGHT!

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am from VA and a graduate of Old Dominion University. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management. I have been in the engineering and project management field for over ten years. I grew up an only child and have been sort of a loner. I enjoy being at home listening to music, watching TV or reading. Being around a lot of people or big crowds has never really excited me. Being an engineer is a career that allows me to use my technical knowledge I’ve learned over the years and be recognized for the achievements I accomplish along the way, while staying in my comfort bubble. I love to learn, research, and solve problems. As to be expected, there will always be challenges along the way but learning how to be resilient has been the greatest lesson. That is what the world will know about me. I want to show the world what resilience looks like personified. My small business will do that through positivity, empathy, and a smile. I heard a quote years ago, “Smile! You never know who may need it.” There have been times when a simple smile from someone has made my day ten times better and helped me to keep moving. All I want to do is pay those smiles forward and show people that their greatest weapon against hardship is resilience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Unfortunately, there are still a few places I’d like to explore myself. I do know if you have never been to Atlanta, then you must go explore downtown. I was fortunate enough to go to an Atlanta Falcons’ game at the stadium. I still have not gotten a change to explore the GA Aquarium, so I’d plan to take my best friend there. I love the outdoors and the water. I’d want to spend a day at Lake Lanier’s waterpark. My favorite was the time I went to Amicalola Falls. The waterfall was beautiful and well worth the 729ft stair climb to the top. Slutty Vegan Restaurant is a must. I love live music and there is small hole in the wall places and hidden gems that feature local musical talent. Festivals are popular. The Tiny House Festival, the Stomp Fest in Avondale Estates, the Beer and Wine Fest and the Stockbridge Festival are some of my favorites.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and opportunities that gotten me to where I am today. I dedicate this to my mother Sylvia. No matter what the situation or decision she supported me. Never once did she judge me for making bad choices. She let me make them, learn from them, and helped me grow from them. It’s because of that, I am comfortable taking risks and ready for whatever the outcome. All of my family! They have always been there to love, support and to celebrate my victories and milestones no matter how small they may be. My best friends, Alisha, Ashley and Steffanie, that are more like sisters to me. No idea is too crazy. These girls are going to be by my side. Also, I owe a very special shoutout to all of the business owners, Ms. Tanya and Ms. Liz. They gave me the opportunity to work for them. I don’t know if I would have ever had this moment. They are my mentors. Watching and working with professional black women who own and operate their own businesses is like having VIP access to your heroes. They are never too busy to take a call and share wisdom and tacit knowledge with me.

Website: https://lightdrinksandbar.square.site/

Instagram: @light_bartending

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lightdrinksandbar/

Image Credits
Photography: Nick Blackmon, Yvonne Hodge, Myself