Episode description

I recently learned of Ashley Mac through an interview I read on https://drinkbaijiu.com/ where she spoke with such excitement about the category and the industry that it was inspiring to see someone thriving in the industry while sober. During our conversation I was floored to hear so many parts of my own story being told back to me. Starting life in the industry at 15 in a corporate restaurant, stopping drinking at 29, and the ways we're able to truly live life now that we're sober. I really can't thank her enough for sharing her story here, and I'm in awe of the growth she's able to experience. I'm so happy for you, Ashley.

Ashley Mac or Amac is a Baltimore-based bartender. As the Bar Manager and AGM of NiHao, a modern, but traditional Chinese restaurant, Mac spends her time learning about and creating her Baijiu-centered bar program. Mac also prides herself with well thought out and cared for spirit-free options at her bar, as she is a sober bartender.

Amac is also a Program Director of HEARD Baltimore, a non-profit organization for hospitality workers who are struggling with mental health or sobriety, and helps run HEARD Online, a weekly online mental health check-in for industry workers Monday nights via Zoom.  For more information check out iheardyou.org

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6