Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramona Jackson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I came to Atlanta 14 years ago, fresh out of college. Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, I’d never had the chance to really travel outside of the South. I was an avid reader and writer, so the furthest I’d traveled was through the written word. But nine years ago, I had my first opportunity to see the world, and I haven’t looked back since. With each new land, flavors, colors, textures and scents expanded my palate beyond what I could have ever imagined. That education is one that has prepared me for the wild ride that has been the last eight months as The Bourbon Bohemian. What started as an IG cocktail series inspired by the soul food flavors of home has turned into beverage consulting opportunities, countless cocktail experiences, hundreds of mocktail kits and an adventure I’m so ready to take for years to come.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. The first 3 or 4 months were a lot of learning. I said yes to a lot of things when I should have said no. I undervalued years of unconventional experience and an innate talent for delighting through the senses. And I got in my own way by not putting in place tools and practices to make room for my gift. Instead, I scrambled around under the weight of inefficiency and disorganization. The new year has brought clarity and I can more clearly see what is needed to get The Bourbon Bohemian into a good place.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I close all of my IG posts with the phrase “Come travel with me through cocktails”. That’s exactly what I do. I take home bar enthusiasts and the cocktail curious on a sensory journey through spirits and the fusion of unconventional flavors. I’m not a fan of boring. So store bought simples, drab garnish and mundane cocktails are my kryptonite. Not being able to experience the craft cocktail bar and speakeasy scene this past year really opened up this world for me. So I took my love of travel and flavors and turned them into an opportunity to consult on fresh, fun and flavorful beverage menus, cocktail experiences and mocktail kits. I’m known for unconventional simples, like Advieh Berenj (Persian rice spice), Umami Mushroom and Thai Basil Ginger Curry. My garnish and cocktail styling are starting to gain traction and influence on IG and I’m meeting industry professional and brand reps I never imagined I would have the opportunity to in this lifetime. But what I’m most proud of finding my own style. It makes me smile when friends send me cocktails with the phrase “This you?!”. The way I take photos. The way I style cocktails. The type of ingredients I use. The way I talk about my cocktails. It’s beginning to be unmistakable. I love that. Especially after being so afraid that not having worked behind a bar somehow made me less of a mixologist.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Twitter keeps me laughing. IG inspires me and helps me meet amazing people in this industry from all over the world. Pearl Cleage books are my guilty pleasure. I’m not a podcast listener (I wish). Google Workspace apps keep me reasonably organized (the bohemian in me is a wild child). But my greatest resource is my husband, Jason. He supports me, challenges me, encourages me and keeps me balanced. Community is so important (my friend KD calls me Ramona the Rolodex, lol) but my hubby is definitely my Clyde.
Pricing:
- Monthly Kit Subscription – $25 (2 servings)
- Single Kit – $30 (2 servings)
- Double Kit – $40 (4 servings)
- In person Cocktail Experience – $40/person (4 servings)
- Virtual Cocktail Experience – $50/person (4 servings)
Contact Info:
- Email: info@thebourbonbohemian.com
- Website: www.thebourbonbohemian.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebourbonbohemian/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebourbonbohemian
