An ode to Cocktails .. and Dreams

Embarking on her odyssey in the hospitality realm two decades ago, Minakshi Singh initially dipped her toes into the waters of outdoor catering, driven by a desire to bolster her pocket money. Little did she know that this modest beginning would evolve into a saga of entrepreneurial triumph as the Co-founder of Sidecar and Cocktail & Dreams, where every chapter reads like a captivating tale.

Reflecting on the early 2000s, Minakshi recalls the novelty of being a female presence in the bartending arena in India—a sensation akin to a mythical unicorn. Yet, rather than stifling her ambitions, this rarity served as a catalyst, propelling her spirits great heights.

Minakshi’s foray into the hospitality landscape commenced during her student days at IHM Pusa. A serendipitous call for female bartenders led her to the doorstep of Yangdup Lama, her current partner in business. Enchanted by Lama’s avant-garde approach, Minakshi eagerly joined his outdoor bartending venture. It was within the confines of this dynamic realm that her perception expanded, revealing the intricacies of spirits, wines, and beers.

As the transition to bartending unfolded, Minakshi found herself immersed in the exhilarating experience of engaging with guests at private events. Notably, she navigated through gatherings graced by Pakistani cricketers and luminaries from Bollywood. From these encounters emerged a profound respect for the craft, fueled by the long hours and tireless dedication demanded during events—a journey that instilled in her a deep-seated passion and unwavering interest in the field, as she candidly reflects.

The Beginning

But despite being an exception in the realms of bartending scenario in India in those times, her initial experience with the profession was encouraging. “While working behind the bar, I garnered attention for being a girl, but it was not negative. People often approached me, especially since many bartenders in India struggled with English communication. I engaged in conversations, which set me apart. I encountered a well-behaved clientele, avoiding the typical incidents associated with the industry,” the entrepreneur elaborates.

After doing her hotel management course, she pursued a bartending course with Yangdup Lama at his school. Subsequently, she joined Tulleho, Vikram Achanta’s startup, as their first employee. “The experience of working with them broadened my horizons, exposing me to the intellectual side of the industry through projects with companies like Diageo and Bacardi,” narrates the lady who credits her early mentors larger for shaping her into the professional that she is today.

A Fascinating Journey

Minakshi embarked on a spirited journey through the corridors of Diageo India and subsequently Pernod Ricard India, before taking the plunge into the dynamic realm of bar ownership alongside her venture partner, Yangdup.

“This journey exposed me to exceptional leaders, both male and female, who have become friends over time. Personal commitment and unwavering love for the industry played crucial roles. Doubts occasionally arose, like deciding between spending time in one place or making more money elsewhere, but these are common dilemmas,” she proffers.

While navigating through the diverse landscapes of her career, Minakshi has traversed the spectrum—from tending bar in a startup to stintin a multinational corporation, and ultimately donning the hat of an entrepreneur.

Amidst the myriad chapters of her journey, one intriguing anecdote vividly illustrates her fervour to carve a niche in this fiercely competitive industry. During a job interview with the VP of International Brands at Pernod Ricard, when probed about her five-year plan, Minakshi boldly declared her ambition to own a bar named ‘Cocktails in Dreams.’ “This response caught the VP off guard, who was expecting a more conventional career goal,” she reflects with a touch of nostalgia.

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