In this episode, we sit down with Alex Velazquez from Kaori to talk about his journey behind the bar and the mindset that keeps him grounded in the industry. Alex breaks down his role at Kaori and gives us a peek into the philosophy and creativity behind parts of the cocktail menu.

We dive into how he first got into bartending, the importance of authenticity in hospitality, and why staying true to yourself matters in a fast-paced scene. Outside of the bar, Alex shares how he decompresses and resets through his workout routine and the discipline it brings into other areas of his life.

A conversation about craft, balance, and staying centered while chasing growth.