Meet Valentina Ramirez-Raudsepp | Founder, Cocktail Gals

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valentina Ramirez-Raudsepp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valentina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Originally, the main purpose of Cocktail Gals was to be a creative outlet for myself. A place curated to be chic and anonymous where gals could interact and connect.
When I started the social media campaigns, little did I expect for the 3rd post on TikTok to end up getting 25k views in 2 days.
That’s when the reality of what I had put together set in – I could really bring gals in the community together. So what started out as a creative outlet/passion project quickly turned into me filing for LLC documentation. Leading me to being able to interact with businesses and get the opportunity to do articles like this one!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s been an incredible opportunity being able to share my story across multiple media platforms. When I first started Cocktail Gals, I planned on remaining anonymous. Solemnly because I wanted to see how far I could go without any external influences. One which I quickly discovered to be my toughest challenge. Keeping it from friends and family until the last minute and ultimately revealing who I was to gals that wanted security of the club being real.

What many don’t know, is that I actually have a full 9-5+ job. I work in sales for a large media company. It’s been interesting navigation between the two. But I’m extremely happy to have created Cocktail Gals. As it serves so much creative relief for me after long stressful sales days.

Additionally, I wouldn’t be in this position if it were not for the experiences I’ve had. I’m a first generation immigrant. Moving from Venezuela to Connecticut when I was in elementary school. The tough decisions my parents had to make after socialist corruption began made me the person I am today.
I’ve always had mixed feelings about how to define my identity. Being both Hispanic and a New Englander who moved down south to experience professional growth. But in the end, I think that in itself is what makes me unique. I can look at different perspectives and opinions from a multitude of ways. Allowing me to always want the best for myself and others. Which is where Cocktail Gals ultimately thrives in it’s mission to bring gals together, benefit local businesses, and the economy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Where to begin!! If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past 4 years living here, it’s that Atlanta has so much to offer.
But if my friends were here for a weekend, a must stop would be breakfast at The Chastain followed by a fun walk and bar hop on the Beltline. After enjoying the day there, heading over to Bones for a delicious steak is a favorite. Lastly, ending the night with drinks at Vesper in Glenwood near Grant Park.

These are only some of my absolute favorites, but every weekend I try to visit a new restaurant, bar, or shop and the list is ever ongoing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be getting this opportunity without the support of ALL the gals following, engaging, and attending the events so far. So I’d like to also say thank you to any of them reading this!

My mentors, professional work bosses, and family who have always been there to guide me in more ways than one.

Lastly, while I don’t focus on following one person / organization specifically – I do love to listen from successful entrepreneurs such as Amber Venz Box, Lauryn Bosstick, and Casey Neistat.

Instagram: @cocktailgals

Other: TikTok: @cocktailgals

Image Credits
Headshot photos by@qualitylenz