Meet Mirian Hubbard | Founder and Curator of The Bitters Reality

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

Hi Mirian, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
When I was younger, I was an avid reader of mostly the fantastical and dramatic. From Dragonlance, The Once and Future King to The Babysitters Club. I even ventured into the realm of history and medicine; skimming through the family’s Britannica collection to my father’s medical journals. I loved visiting the bookstore. Then for a time, my interest waned and to this day I can’t put my finger on it except that perhaps it was a heightened focus on religious literature. As a result, I hadn’t completed a whole novel in years until I came upon a book titled, Mortality, by Christopher Hitchens. It was his impromptu “memoirs” of his last days on the earth; his last words. I came upon this book at the time that my maternal grandmother was passing away and my worldview was also changing. Mortality, the book, became an important guide for free thought, courage, and the ability to face death head-on without over-romanticizing it or causing even more harm to those who may be suffering their own private battle. It was a surprising comfort. I then realized it was the first book I completed in 1-2 sittings in my adult life. Twice actually.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Am I an artist? So, my official business is all about the art of cocktail making. Bringing about a sense of respect for the craft, the sauce, and the people behind it all. What I have learned so far is that people respect my ability to tell the story and provide insight into a space that’s not always covered in the mainstream. Writing is NOT EASY. It literally causes me pain until it decides to release itself from the birth canal. You can’t force it. At least, I can’t. But writing is only one aspect of what I do as part of the total concept. I curate a seasonal box of small-batch, cocktail ingredients. I take pride in the relationships that I have built and the people that I’ve met and have shared their stories. Now, I’m actually in the process of producing my own cocktail ingredients and expanding the vision of The Bitters Reality even more.

My other talents center around photography which I get to use to share my vision; my creative eye.

How do I overcome my challenges….is it a matter of overcoming or embracing them? I forget the book, but we must be more compassionate with ourselves, our defense mechanisms as they were birthed from some traumatic experience in the past. Why fight ourselves rather than attempt to understand and use that energy to create? That’s my perspective on the matter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok well, COVID!! Hello! It’s currently a blur…

Kidding.

Pre, Post Covid shutdowns, we would definitely hit some outdoor live music events. One of my favorite spots to take friends to is The Establishment. It’s a craft cocktail bar with a great atmosphere and awesome bartenders. Other than that, we’d explore the city together as I’m still learning and I’ve been here since 2015.

Some other spots that I have enjoyed:
The square in Decatur
Beltline
Ponce City Market
Canton Street

Just stand in line at Slutty Vegan and dance afterwards while eating because yes, it will make you dance.
Now, if they’re up to it, I’d take them to visit the hidden bamboo forrest in Buckhead.

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?
This is an interesting question. I don’t think that we give ourselves much credit at the end of the day when it’s up to us to make the decisions to keep moving forward. Adding to that, a have a host of girlfriends who encourage me regularly to stay creative and focused….because I can get creative and lost! I also owe my relaunch to my maternal grandfather and all of my ancestors really. It’s one thing to have an idea but it’s another to execute and quite frankly, this time last year, I know that it was my grandfather who told me that I had work to do and to do it now. Here we are today.

I would like to also shout out the ladies of l’artisan muse who encouraged me to make sure that I am represented in my box. I didn’t understand what she meant then, but I absolutely understand it now. Thank you as those words have never left me.

Website: www.thebittersreality.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bittersreality/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirianhubbard/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bittersreality

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChlUg-szsSIU1dw3cReRc6g

Other: https://bio.site/MirianHubbard