Today we’d like to introduce you to Worship Chaleka.
Hi Worship, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started in food and beverage at 16 years old. I was serving and bar backing during the summer months when I was still in college. Eventually, when I was finally old enough to start, I began learning how to bartend. What I began to realize was that I am a real person. Instant gratification helped me become more confident, skilled, polished, and curious about the world. Even while primarily working at other more corporate environments, I found myself looking for the pace and excitement crafting cocktails gave me. And the more I improved, the more I saw the benefits of what I could do and how far I could go. Bartending is one of the few occupations in the modern world that allows you to have schedule flexibility, fun, travel, style, and an array of opportunities to pursue diversely connected [or disconnected] endeavors. I’ve been able to do and participate in many cool things that cocktail crafting offers. I am always open to new ideas and collaborative things. There is still so much within this industry I’m growing at and learning, which makes it so fun!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road could have been smoother! Most of us who have dedicated our service industry careers can endlessly tell you what we have had to learn and go through to be where we are. We go through certain inevitable phases if you’ve ever been around a bartender. At first, when I started, it was great because I was making something new, and the money came to me quickly. Then I get into a groove and a “mini-rockstar-tender” phase, and yes, I just made that up. But I started to believe in myself and think I could work anywhere and be the misfit of the year. But then, I got humbled in a real way. What was the turning point for me? It could have been the environment or the friends I had. It may have come through a reality check from a dissatisfied guest at my bar. My management and superiors could have warned me of my bad behavior. Or maybe a co-worker got fed up with me and my mess. I started to wise up and change at some point. I took pride in myself, and it began to show in my work and work ethic. At this point in my life, I want to continue on a path that keeps improving me inside and out.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the Lead Bartender at The Loutrel Hotel in Charleston, SC. I specialize in unique, bespoke cocktails for each guest and provide the best service possible. I’m known for being able to curate a unique cocktail, wine, and dining experience in a modern and fun way. I’m most proud of bringing others together from different places and walks of life through my services and skills. What sets me apart from others is my being. It’s what sets every one of us apart. My personality on the clock will have the same energy off the clock because I genuinely care about each human being I serve, but life doesn’t suck as much as we think it does. I like to give people a vehicle for happiness.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about our city is the number of options for places to eat and have a good cocktail. I’m a huge foodie, and This is one of the few cities in the United States that simultaneously gives you great food and variety. What I like least about our city is the “business politics.” It’s sometimes very apparent that some businesses get to open and flourish, and others get no real love. The cost and opportunity of doing business in this city are unevenly possible for some and not for others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelifeofslick?r=nametag
- Facebook: W. Abraham Chaleka
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCjn0g0nj1W9xqkQB3gjFxgw?fbclid=PAAaZWo7EdcITrWLIT3W-_AGkQskKWZ0Zgc5LJ9wiKId4lWwrSQybJyP_k5GU
