Today we’d like to introduce you to Kory Davis.
Kory, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At the age of five years old, I sold spray-painted conch shells on the corner of my grandmother’s home on St. Thomas, USVI. I moved from conch shells to selling all types of mangos from my back yard in Old Tutu. From there, I knew I had an entrepreneur mindset. Fast forward to junior high and high school; I was the candy guy, selling everything from blow pops to skittles and then some. My love for people and community lead me into the industry of Hospitality Management, where I worked and built my work ethic for over 15 plus years.
Working in multiple cities and states from; NC, MD, DC, VA, NV, and now GA, I was able to build long-lasting relations but more so learn a lot about communities, business, and people. Two years ago, I relocated from Las Vegas, NV, with a job promotion to Atlanta, GA, but I had a dream in mind when I made this move. I have always been a peoples person, and working hospitality communication is key; however, I wanted to venture out and do something I knew I would be good at just for fun; Bartending School. It was frowned upon by my circle of mainland friends, me working my corporate job and then in bartending school. I attended Atlanta Professional Bartending School and finished at the top of my bartending/mixologist class and also surprised myself by doing exceptionally on the speed test. Fast forward once out of school, I started looking for a bartending job, but no one would hire a newbie with skills and handsome; but after 20 no’s and one yes from Bareburger Midtown (now closed), my journey to greatness really started. Learning the food/bar industry became my number 1 priority. I started out as the bartender, then bar manager, and then became a restaurant supervisor. From there, I knew I wanted to open up my own bartending business and eventually a lounge.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Creating Kory Davis Independent Bartending Services was pretty easy and then moving into the Kory Davis “Liquid Love,” the bottled version of my specialty craft of cocktail making. Now my ultimate goal, which we are on target to open (fingers crossed late September 2021) Ynduldge Lounge, LLC. The only obstacle and challenge besides city, county, and state paperwork; is access to capital for entrepreneurs. The pandemic was good to KD “Liquid Love” and its growth but has slowed down and pushed back the progress of Yndulge Lounge, LLC. Slow and steady wins the race.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
There would be no Yndulge Lounge without Kory Davis Independent Bartending Services and Kory Davis “Liquid Love.” Presently the recent success of the online KD “Liquid Love” has financially helped in getting ball rolling for the “BIG PICTURE” which for me is having my own Brick and Mortar- (in lights).
What you should know is; always believe in yourself and then ask for advice or help but start with you first. I’m known for being a peoples person and person with a passion and drive for not only my success but those around me. If we all win together in healthy competition and or regular support, we all will win. There is enough room for opportunity for us all.
I’m most proud of the brand’s growth online despite recently having my Instagram hacked at over 13k and having to start over. However, through other avenues of social media and the WorldWideWeb. I’m able to reconnect and make new connections. I want readers to know that it takes hard work and dedication to reach your goals and you just have to follow through to make it a reality. For me, my journey has been a collective of baby steps; small business projects leading up to my overall soon biggest accomplishments and that is; Yndugle Lounge Coming Soon 2021. The YL Experience will be an all liquor-infused tapas experience with crafted cocktails that will change your life.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Well, I have two; playing baseball for little league and represent my hometown, the USVI, in the Latin American Little League tournament in 98. Then in the year 2002, I won Virgin Islands Carnival King for St. Thomas 50th Carnival Anniversary. This time I was a cultural ambassador for my native islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, and Water Islands.
Contact Info:
- Email: bottled@kdliquidlove.com
- Website: www.kdliquidlove.com
- Instagram: @yndulge_lounge_ga and @340kingkory
- Facebook: @kdliquidlove
- Other: linktr.ee/kedavis86
