We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Brightside and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Sometimes a business just happens, like it was predestined. The concept grew like wild bamboo and one day I realized I was in the middle of bushland, and the only road out was to walk one foot in front of the other and finish the journey that was started.

In 2018, I was between clients when the infancy of Once Upon a Cocktail was noodled. As work picked up, the concept was set aside, awaiting a more opportune moment for the project to come to fruition. Then, the unexpected stillness of the pandemic descended upon us, and suddenly the world became a blank canvas for creative endeavors. It was during this invaluable period of introspection that the idea of Once Upon a Cocktail gained momentum. I refined the concept, crafting a pitch deck that I presented to my longtime collaborator, Nick Rimedio. 2022 was a perfect time to green light such a project, to bring support to the hospitality industry which had been starved of affection.

That very first pitch meeting was where Nick introduced me to Historically Drinking’s Sarah L.M. Mengoni. Sarah’s infectious enthusiasm and vast knowledge immediately resonated with the vision I had for growing Once Upon a Cocktail. Together, we saw the potential to not only celebrate bartenders but also foster a sense of unity within the community. The pages of Once Upon a Cocktail were destined to connect people through a well-crafted drink. The book launched in Fall 2023 and it was a long road traveled with very many twists and turns. We did it, we created a business that we never imagined! Cheers!

What should our readers know about your business?
The 3B’S, The Book, the Bond and the Business.

The Book: Once Upon a Cocktail – West Hollywood, recipe book.

Once Upon a Cocktail – West Hollywood, is not just a mere collection of drink recipes and bar recommendations. It is a magnificent treasure trove that intertwines the rich tapestry of history, culture, and cocktails into mesmerizing keepsake. With each turn of the page, readers are invited to embark on an enchanting journey through the vibrant city of West Hollywood, as seen through the eyes of its creators, community, and the bond of friendship.

We soft launched Once Upon a Cocktail with eleven activations in Fall 2023, we sold 70% of the inventory before the book production landed. We creatively maneuvered financials, broke down walls, and never took no for an answer. We made the impossible possible. We picked up some tricks on this journey and believe the only progress you can make is by sharing knowledge and uplifting the people around you.

The Bond:

At Once Upon a Cocktail, we believe that the foundation of a great team lies in mutual respect for each other’s unique skill sets. Each team member brings their own expertise to the table, and we celebrate this diversity. We foster an environment where questions are encouraged and challenges are embraced.

However, it is essential to maintain clear boundaries and never encroach upon areas outside our expertise. Personally as an artist, I have no aspirations of becoming a drink maestro, delving into the intricate complexities of crafting a perfectly balanced libation. Likewise, Sarah, our cocktail curator, has no plans to trade her trusty bartools for a pencil and sketchbook. These defined roles create love, respect and a bond like no other.

The Business:

The business was built with community support as a backbone to our journey. There was an unwritten rule that entrusted us to produce a book that represented every nook and cranny of a city. And as we were not funded more than 15% by any one entity it eliminated any bias that would usually come with this sizable project. At all points we retained full creative and financial control. We listened to advice, took the advice onboard, but also took the risks necessary that the freedom of flying solo can buy!

A business was born from fooling and fumbling around and I look back now and think it’s kinda genius. We coerced a city to pay for something it didn’t know it needed until it landed in their hands. We pulled off a pretty impossible task. That backbone, this community, the love and support we had, put us in business and our commitment to the city made a beautiful book called Once Upon a Cocktail.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It would be a pub crawl in West Hollywood on Sunset Strip, starting with the Pea Diddy at Tesse, Honeydew Me at Sunset Marquis, Sibling Warfare from Eveleigh, last stop for the night, The Rainbow Bar & Grill for a “Lemmy” Jack & Coke followed by a nightcap made at home, as the venue Warrior adapted into an event space, this cocktail recipe from the book, Morning Glory, is awesome way to conclude a pub crawl adventure, in pajamas by an open fire!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My collaborator Sarah L.M. Mengoni. Sarah, is a cocktail curator and has joint credit as co-author for this beast of a book.

Website: https://www.onceuponacocktail.world/

Instagram: onceuponacocktail.world

Youtube: https://youtu.be/AKL5BDaY56s

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.