Your Journey Begins

How did you first step into the world of bartending or hospitality?

I started working in a bar the week I turned eighteen, which is the legal age to serve alcohol in New Zealand. My thinking was fairly simple: if I had to work, I wanted to enjoy it, and bartending seemed like it might offer that.

My first role was in a fairly rough nightclub in regional New Zealand. It was far from polished, but it showed me early on that you could earn a living doing something active and engaging, rather than spending your days behind a desk.

Was there a moment early in your journey when you thought, “I’ve found my calling”?

That came a little later, in what I would consider my first proper bar role. It was an environment where we genuinely cared about standards and took pride in what we were doing.

I was fortunate to work alongside two exceptional mentors who demonstrated just how far a career in hospitality could go. The team was incredibly close, with a real sense of camaraderie. It was unlike anything I had experienced before, and it made me realise there was something genuinely special about this industry.

Challenges and Turning Points

What has been the hardest part of your path in this industry? Was there a moment that nearly made you give up?

There have been roles where the environment was deeply unhealthy, and those experiences can take a significant toll. I remember feeling anxious about going into work and completely drained by the time I got home.

What carried me through was the support of others. One of the industry’s greatest strengths is its people. There is almost always someone willing to listen or offer help if you reach out. For a long time, I underestimated just how willing people are to support you when you need it.

Milestones That Matter

What is a moment or achievement you are especially proud of?

Seeing Teresa Cocktail Bar nominated in the top ten for Best New International Bar at Tales of the Cocktail was an extraordinary moment. For a small bar from regional New Zealand to be recognised alongside venues in cities such as London, New York, and Sydney felt quite surreal.

How do you define success today? Has that changed over time?

It has changed entirely. Since having a child, my priorities have shifted. Success now means working on something I am genuinely proud of while ensuring I have time for my family.

To be honest, I do not think I had a clearly defined sense of success before. It is something that has evolved gradually.

Shifting the Narrative

In your view, how has the role of women behind the bar evolved?

It depends very much on geography. In New Zealand, I would say the role of women behind the bar has not shifted dramatically over the past fourteen years, at least in my experience.

What does inclusion in hospitality really mean to you?

At its core, hospitality is about making people feel welcome, as though they were guests in your own home. That extends to everyone: guests, colleagues, and even those who come in to repair or maintain the space.

What makes this industry so compelling is its diversity. People from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds come together in one place. That is something to be curious about, not cautious of.

What is one mindset you believe the industry needs to change now?

Tall Poppy Syndrome is something I feel strongly about. It is the tendency to criticise or diminish those who achieve success.

I believe the opposite approach is far more constructive. When someone succeeds, it should be recognised and celebrated. Their achievements can serve as motivation for others, rather than something to be cut down.

On Women Raise the Bar

What does the Women Raise the Bar movement mean to you personally?

There are so many talented women in this industry, and visibility matters. When younger women can clearly see what is possible, it gives them something tangible to aspire to and a stronger sense of direction.

How do we ensure this movement leads to real opportunities?

It ultimately comes down to action. Women putting themselves forward, whether through mentoring, speaking engagements, or stepping into leadership roles.

It is not always about certainty. Often, it is simply about having enough belief in yourself to try. When that is supported by a culture that celebrates success rather than undermines it, it encourages more people to step forward.

Quick Notes

Your favourite drink to make?

A Blue Daiquiri.

One trend or idea you are currently enjoying?

Not taking things too seriously. There is real value in maintaining a sense of fun in what we do.

What does “raising the bar” mean to you?

For me, it is about staying true to the essence of hospitality. Seeing initiatives like this gives me genuine optimism about where the industry is heading.

In Short

Sarah’s journey reflects the true spirit of hospitality, shaped by passion, resilience, and community. Progress comes not just from individual ambition, but from supporting and uplifting one another.

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