Meet Stephanie Marshall Gantt | Creative Director of Cleverly Curated & Cocktail Experience Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Marshall Gantt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of Cleverly Curated has been my genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable experiences. Bartending, for me, is so much more than just mixing drinks—it’s about storytelling, culture, and human connection. Every cocktail has a story, and every guest deserves to feel like they’re part of something special.

My background in both hospitality and travel has shaped the way I approach cocktails and events. Travel has exposed me to different cultures, flavors, and styles of hospitality, and I bring those inspirations into everything I create—whether it’s a signature cocktail menu, a curated event, or a training session.

At the heart of it all is my commitment to authenticity and quality. I’ve built Cleverly Curated to reflect my belief that hospitality should be both thoughtful and elevated, and I’ve stayed consistent with that vision no matter how trends or times change. Passion, consistency, and a love for connecting people through experiences—that’s been the recipe for my success.

What should our readers know about your business?
My career in hospitality started out of necessity—but it grew into purpose. Over 18 years ago, I began bartending in Las Vegas to make ends meet. I had no idea at the time that those long nights, fast-paced shifts, and diverse customer interactions would lay the foundation for a career I would one day fall in love with. I later became a flight attendant to pursue my dream of traveling the world, and that experience only deepened my appreciation for culture, connection, and service.

What sets me apart is that I approach hospitality as both an art form and a cultural exchange. Through my business, Cleverly Curated, I don’t just create cocktail menus—I create experiences, education, and opportunities. I’ve published eBooks, taught others how to bartend, curated signature drinks for private events, and helped hospitality businesses strengthen their service models and identity. I bring heart, creativity, and strategy to every project I touch.

The road hasn’t been easy. I’ve navigated burnout, industry politics, gender bias, and the lack of diversity in leadership across many hospitality spaces. Moving to Atlanta brought its own challenges, from adjusting to a new market to feeling the cultural gap—but I used that as motivation. I saw what was missing and built a brand that fills those gaps intentionally, with purpose and representation in mind.

What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come by simply betting on myself. I didn’t wait for a seat at the table—I built my own. And now I get to help others do the same.

I want the world to know: hospitality is power. And through Cleverly Curated, I’m creating space for others to learn it, lead in it, and love it—on their own terms.

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 was coming to Atlanta for a week, they’d better bring an empty stomach and an open mind—because I’m showing them all the things! Atlanta has so much soul, flavor, and energy, and I’d make sure they felt every bit of it.

Thursday night would start with cocktails and vibes at Whisky Mistress, one of my absolute favorite spots in the city. This place embraced me with warmth and open arms when I needed a new bartending home over three years ago. It’s not just a bar—it’s a whole mood. You’ll feel the energy of Atlanta in every room, from the music to the people to the hospitality.

Friday would start slow with breakfast at Thumbs Up Diner—a local classic with no-frills, feel-good food. After that, we’d hit up a cute neighborhood like Inman Park or West Midtown for shopping and exploring, then grab happy hour at 1 Street Over, a hidden gem. Dinner? It’s gotta be Delbar for incredible Persian flavors in a stunning space, or Pasha if we’re feeling luxurious.

Saturday is for brunch, so we’d hit ROC South or Southern Fire Kitchen for that good home-cooked soul food. Later, we’d check out a day party, a local festival if one’s happening, or maybe a rooftop like Drawbar or 5Church. Atlanta nightlife always delivers, so the night might end back at Whisky Mistress, because yes—it’s that good.

Sunday is chill. A walk on the BeltLine, a visit to Piedmont Park, and maybe a stop at Ponce City Market to browse and snack. Every day would be filled with good food, Black-owned businesses, and spaces that truly represent the real Atlanta.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I give all glory to God. Every step of my journey—through challenges, pivots, and growth—has been guided by faith. I truly believe that His timing, grace, and purpose have been the foundation of my success and the strength behind my resilience.

Beyond that, I want to recognize the incredible people who have poured into me along the way. The hospitality professionals I worked with early on in Las Vegas shaped my work ethic, confidence, and commitment to excellence. They taught me that bartending is an art, a performance, and a service all in one—and that left a lasting impression.

I also want to shout out the Black women in hospitality and entrepreneurship who continue to break barriers and redefine what leadership looks like. Their work inspires me to keep going and reminds me that representation matters, especially in this industry.

To my family and close friends—thank you for your constant support, encouragement, and honesty. You’ve seen me through every chapter and never let me forget my worth.

Lastly, a book that truly impacted me is “More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth. It reminded me that I am not limited by anyone else’s definitions or timelines. Her words gave me permission to own my voice, embrace my layers, and build a life and brand that reflects my full self—no compromise.

Website: https://Www.cleverlycurated.net

Instagram: Cleverlycuratedconsulting

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/cleverly-curated-sandy-springs