October 17, 2019

Meet Sekoya Burke of High Spirits Bartending & Training in Conyers

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sekoya Burke.

Sekoya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began bartending part-time in 2001 at Roadhouse Grill in Conyers GA. I was a waitress, and took interest in the “bar side of things” so to speak! I officially began bartending at Applebee’s Bar and Grill in Lithonia GA. My tenure with Applebee’s was from 2002 to 2005.

I have worked for a variety of establishments such as Buffalo Wild Wings Red Lobster, OLG and various nightclubs in the Atlanta area.

My independent bartending journey began in April 2008 with my mobile bartending company High Spirits Bartending, and opened my bartending school in 2015 under High Spirits Hospitality Training!

Currently, I am active with both businesses and growing bigger and stronger by the month. I’ve received many accolades along the way; a letter of appreciation from the governor of GA, a spotlight Trainer for the TiPS program, and a slight cameo spot in the Delta Sky Clubs promo video as well as a brief feature on RHOA when they aired the first restaurant opening scenes.

Today, I take much pride in myself and my accomplishments, as well as helping others along my path. I never hesitate to offer helpful guidance, training, and/or advice to anyone that asks, not just my clients. I believe strongly in the support of small businesses movement, and I encourage others to do the same.

My goal/mission/motto is to produce skilled, trained and competent individuals ready to work in the hospitality industry, not only equipped with knowledge, but with the tools to jumpstart their success!

Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve been faced with job loss due to business (s) closing on multiple occasions and I remember not knowing where my next dollar was coming from. Those times, (along with the support of my loving husband and family), forced me in a positive way to become the entrepreneur that I am today.

Not having to rely solely on one company, but rather myself and my trailblazing past, has kept me wanting to stay relevant and continue pursuing goals relentlessly.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the High Spirits Bartending & Training story. Tell us more about the business.
High Spirits is a three-fold company. We offer mobile bartending services with our own mobile bar, bartending basics courses (bartending school) that creates same-day certifications and toolkit, as well as Training for Intervention Procedures (TiPS) through HCI. We are mostly known for our dynamic and and classic customer service with all of our clients.

Mostly, we are proud of how we are rebuilding our brand after total loss of our rental unit and hand-built 10-foot bar(s) that were all damaged due to mold/moisture within the unit. We didn’t stop, continued to rebuild, rebrand, and here we are now.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see the industry growing in the incorporation of THC and CBD infused cocktails, as well as exciting and new invigorating garnishes.

Contact Info: