This month we sat down with Jheanelle Bedasse, and spoke about her Maison Cocktail Inc., which she shares with her business partner, Asilex Rodriguez.
Their goal was to revolutionize the industry with efficient, tasty, and sustainable cocktails, and the aim of their business was not only to elevate service standards but also to equip their staff with unparalleled knowledge and expertise in bartending.
Explore the game-changing journey where Jheanelle’s passions converged to lay the foundation for her thriving business.
YES: When did you start your entrepreneurial journey and what were some of your goals when you started?
Jheanelle: My entrepreneurial journey began at the tender age of 21, shortly after I pursued my studies in event planning and management. This educational path led me to open my own firm, Flawless Events, marking the start of a significant chapter in my life. It was during this time that I first encountered YES’ services at a workshop hosted by one of the industry’s most sought-after event planners. My innate flair for management and event thematics, coupled with a genuine passion for the field, was undeniable.
Despite this early start in entrepreneurship, my career took an adventurous turn when I embraced a love for travel, leading me to work as a flight attendant for several years. In an effort to diversify my skill set, I attended bartending school during the off-season, a decision that enriched my professional capabilities immensely. This led me to my second entrepreneurial venture many years later.
After the COVID-19 lockdown, this prompted a profound reevaluation of my career path, urging me to forge my own way. This period of introspection brought me closer to my life and business partner, whose 15 years of expertise in mixology perfectly complemented my background in events and design. Together, we founded Maison Cocktail Inc.
Our goals were driven by a shared vision to revolutionize the industry with efficient, tasty, and sustainable cocktails. The aim was not only to elevate service standards but also to equip our staff with unparalleled knowledge and expertise in bartending.
What stage are you at now? What have been your greatest achievements?
We are at the stage of acquiring up to 60 restaurants in Quebec that buy our products and services. We have now collaborated with different business partners and farms to have the freshest ingredients to make our mixes. We are currently rebranding the image of our company focusing on more technological and sustainable streamlined products with a sleek and futuristic appearance. We should be launching at the end of February with a new website, products, and online school for bar and service education.
Our greatest achievement has been marked by continuous growth and the achievement of each set milestone, starting from humble beginnings. We both quit our corporate jobs now to focus on the business. This was not an easy decision but we are now able to sustain ourselves with what we make from the business which was a dream we wanted since we first contacted YES.
What were/are your biggest struggles? / What was the problem you were experiencing before you came into YES?
It was hard to focus primarily on the business while working a full-time corporate job. We did not have any start-up funds and after getting incorporated we were struggling to find a commercial kitchen and receive grants to work on our website etc. This is when I reached out to Michael for guidance. Michael’s patience, understanding, and client-focused approach were key to refining our business objectives.
Now the struggles we face are good struggles. We went from not finding a commercial kitchen to having one and now we have acquired a bigger commercial kitchen through working and collaborating with our business partners. We are now trying to find more sustainable materials and reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible. We also need more production machinery now and staff as we have more demand.
What did you find as a result of using our services? What was the best thing about it?
We have access to so many resources. We took advantage of the clinics provided and Micheal is very understanding of our efforts. He was able to narrow down the situation and help us to focus on a solution. The best thing about YES is how organized your establishment is.
How do you feel about the service you have received from YES?
We feel heard and supported. The service given is absolutely amazing. It is like we became a part of this community of individuals just like us who understand entrepreneurship. Feels like family
Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share?
Being an entrepreneur is undeniably challenging, yet the autonomy it provides is immensely rewarding. I believe I was always destined for this path, and I am passionate about encouraging others to explore their potential. As we continue to grow with your company, I am grateful for the nomination and the recognition it represents. Thank you for acknowledging our journey and the hard work we’ve invested in Maison Cocktail Inc.