Reinventing Yourself When the Spotlight Moves On…
In the world of cocktails, it’s easy to get swept up in the highs of popularity until the spotlight shifts and you're no longer the name on every flyer. This seminar is a vulnerable yet empowering exploration of what happens after the buzz fades. Through candid storytelling and hard-earned insight, we’ll explore how to navigate professional “quiet seasons” with grace, resilience, and strategy.
Featuring:
Keyatta Mincey Parker
Founder and Executive Director, A Sip of Paradise Garden
Chief Curating Officer, Pictures and Cocktails LLC
Christian “Suzu” Suzuki-Orellana
Bay-Area Mixologist
Dr Gregory Canillas
CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global, PHD in Clinical Psychology, Educator
Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: DreamTENT, The Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions
Keyatta Mincey Parker
Founder and Executive Director A Sip of Paradise Garden
Chief Curating Officer, Pictures and Cocktails LLC
Keyatta Mincey Parker is a trailblazer in the spirits and hospitality industry, with over a decade of experience as a bartender, brand ambassador, and educator. She is the founder of the nonprofit "A Sip of Paradise Garden," a community garden designed to support bartenders’ mental and physical health. Keyatta’s advocacy for wellness and self-care in the industry has earned her recognition as a leader in fostering healthier, more sustainable practices for hospitality professionals.
Christian “Suzu” Suzuki-Orellana, Bay-Area Mixologist
Christian “Suzu” Suzuki-Orellana (also known simply as Suzu) is a Bay Area–born mixologist whose childhood in Tokyo’s hospitality culture deeply shaped his approach. After honing his craft in San Francisco at acclaimed establishments like 15 Romolo, Benjamin Cooper, and Wildhawk, Suzu took his talent to streaming screens as a contestant on Netflix’s mixology competition Drink Masters (Season 1, 2022), where he finished in 4th place.
With roots spanning California and Japan, Suzu blends technical precision and narrative-driven cocktails across pop-ups like Kagano, virtual teaching platforms, and his upcoming New York City bar slated for 2026, Suzu Sips. He’s earned accolades such as national finalist in Bombay Sapphire’s “Most Imaginative Bartender” (2020), Bacardi Legacy (2018), and nominations for Bartender of the Year and Spirited Awards (2022–2023).
Dr Gregory Canillas
CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global, PHD in Clinical Psychology, Educator
Dr. Gregory Canillas is the CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global and a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in relationships, mental health, and wellness, and is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. Dr. Canillas has worked extensively with diverse communities, offering training and workshops focused on improving communication, fostering resilience, and achieving personal and professional growth. He is also the CEO and co-founder of Canillas-King, a company offering cocktail classes and creation of one-of-a-kind cocktail menus for private events. In addition to his work in mental health, Dr. Canillas has presented on representation and wellness in the spirits industry at conferences like Tales of the Cocktails and the Society for Cross-Cultural Research.