MEET GARNETT PHILLIP

Mar 2

CBN: We’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally. Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about you!

Garnett: Hello, my name is Garnett Phillip and I am focused on exposing rum to the world! I love it. Obviously, I opened up two rum bars to show my community how diverse rum can be. I wanted a bar that can represent the Caribbean culture in many ways. Our music, style, food, rums & vibes. I love what I do. I can do all things rum all day long, lol! I feel connected. I am an Ethiopian & Trinidadian woman, so I totally get the connection between rum & our people. The reason I want into the rum world? I deserve it & it is absolutely part of my history too. I spent time in Trinidad & Italy (my mother's family moved from Ethiopia because it was a huge African culture there) quite often as a child. I know what it's like to sit on the stoop of a rum shop drinking a cola while the grown ups sip beer/rum & talk crap while slamming dominoes. Ugh, talk about magical memories. I want my bars to feel like "back home" when you visit.

“My parents were amazing and lifting me up was something they never dropped the ball with. Constantly reminding me how special I was, my Ethiopian & Trini natural beauty was unique, my go getter mentality was real & my drive was there.”

— Garnett Phillip

CBN: 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?

Garnett: It has been absolutely difficult. One thousand percent! From the jump, I opened this bar when the pandemic hit. Insane! We didn't qualify for both rounds. That was absolutely heartbreaking. I cried every day, for months. Imagine, your entire life savings, 13 credit cards and borrowing money for a dream with daily thoughts it may collapse. We made it through, but now I also face harsh winters that are challenging. I don't have budgets for marketing directors or a publicists, so I can only do my best with what my team & I bring. People see us super crowded, but that does not mean we are covering expenses and all that keep us above water. ALWAYS paid last. Ask me how many personal cards and accounts are in a negative! LOL. It's ok, I see the bigger picture and I can proudly say "I am suffering for my own, baby"! Also, managing people is very challenging. I care about my team, a lot. That is my weakness. I feel taken advantage of at times because I spoil them, I actually love them and don't mind. I def play the big sister role, often.

CBN: How do you currently deal with or overcome imposter syndrome?

Garnett: Imposter Syndrome, is term that my Beverage Director & Bar Manager has told me I have. I googled it. Wow. I really don't see myself the way others do, at all. I was always told to be humble, keep my head down and grind. Only lifting my chin up when it comes to self-esteem and uplifting times. I do not see myself like others do. At all. I am still trying to figure out how to deal with that. Don't think I will ever see that side of me. I just want to survive & win at these dreams that became a difficult reality. I just am happy to be here doing what I LOVE.

CBN: How did you develop your confidence and self-esteem?

Garnett: My confidence & self-esteem has always been within. My parents were amazing and lifting me up was something they never dropped the ball with. Constantly reminding me how special I was, my Ethiopian & Trini natural beauty was unique, my go getter mentality was real & my drive was there. My parents never dropped the ball. So, I grew up feeling confident, special, smart and beautiful. I mean, my pops was the one who told me walk back and forth until I was ok in these heels. I was 21 in a friend's fashion show- and superrrr nervous! He even told me go to the store and buy a thong as the dress showed the panty lines! ahahaha! We laughed for days! Love you Mom & Dad!

We thank you Garnett for sharing your BOLD JOURNEY!

Follow: @iamgarnettphillip | @therumbarbk | @therogersgarden