Beverage Director Christine Wiseman entered the hospitality industry 23 years ago. She started by working in a tiny little restaurant with her friends to help support her time in college. Then, after she had graduated and moved, she stayed in the industry. What caused her to stay? The community. “I met so many people along the way that became significant mentors to me in the hospitality industry and in life, that kept me in the industry,” says Christine.
Now it is her ability to offer that same mentorship and strong sense of community to others that keeps her in the industry. There is a magic to working with new people. Everyone is different and represents several different backgrounds but everyone unites with the same goal: to create great experiences for guests.
Christine came to Miami when she became the Beverage Director of Bar Lab, closely working with an incredible team that has not given her a shortage of amazing experiences. She is passionate about the constant creative process, the constant changes that bar managers are always challenged with in this industry, and being around so many unique people and infectious personalities. “To see the full creative process of Gabe and Elad as we continue to grow has been so eye opening,” shared Christine before continuing, “Everyone in the Miami hospitality industry has fully opened their arms to me and has been so welcoming. I want to be very clear that I am not here to change the Miami scene, but rather be a part of its growth and shine a light on the amazing people that work and live here.”
As she navigates the Miami scene, she has been given a lot of wonderful advice from its veteran members. “Be yourself, take chances, never be afraid to reach out and ask for help,” says Christine. “There are a lot of people in the industry that have ‘been there, done that’ and have a ton of knowledge to share.” Being herself is powerful advice for Christine who has been Top 4 US Bartender of the Year at TOTC for two years running, Top 4 at Speed Rack National Finals, and featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Still, Christine has other dreams and aspirations that motivate her, pushing her forward and ensuring her constant growth as well as success. Her goals are limitless with the Bar Lab team. They have a ton of things up their sleeves. Because the Miami scene is quickly growing, there are countless opportunities that increase as more people move here and help grow this city into an even more diverse scene, so that all cultures are represented in the remarkable Magic City.
Christine’s favorite part of her job is equally the creation, education, and community. Behind the bar, she creates a party. She loves being behind the bar and taking care of people, bringing them not only joy but the thrill of her creations. Yet, she does not forget those in her life who lifted her up and inspired her to be where she is today. She also makes room for more people to shine alongside of her. “All of the people that work at our venues, they are all so talented!” shares Christine. “A couple of shout outs: Sarah An-she is moving here from LA to grow her career here with us, Josue Gonzalez—-what a firecracker. BarLab 2 Go, it’s one of our subdivisions of Bar Lab where we create cocktail mixers that are ready to shake minus the alcohol, they are all delicious and help combat the labor shortage that we are all experiencing.”
Being a member of the hospitality community keeps Christine young and thriving. It also keeps her liver up for any adventure. There is so much more to Christine that deserves to be experienced first hand. Follow along for the ride @dramawise to see what she is up to.
