In an inspiring initiative aimed at the hospitality community, Parker has established A Sip of Paradise Garden, a space where individuals working in service can retreat, unwind, and cultivate creativity.
The garden welcomes anyone who has been part of the hospitality industry, providing a tranquil environment to read, relax, or engage in various wellness activities.
“Think of a place you can just be yourself,” Parker explained in an interview with UATL.
For many bartenders and service staff, the high demands of their jobs can lead to stress, as they often become confidants for customers sharing their personal struggles.
Parker notes the toll this emotional labor takes on bartenders, stating, “A lot of times, (bartenders) are the nervous system for every restaurant.”
Recognizing this need for respite, Parker sought to create an oasis where hospitality workers could find solace amidst the chaos of their jobs.
To promote mental wellness, various activities such as yoga, Pilates, and meditation sessions are offered in the garden.
Parker also aims to address the dietary habits of hospitality workers, who often rush through meal breaks and may not consume the healthiest options.
As a mixologist, Parker has personally experienced the benefits of growing her own herbs, enhancing creativity and the overall experience of crafting cocktails.
Her journey began in 2002, when she started mixing drinks at prominent Atlanta establishments like The Sound Table and the James Spirit House.
The concept for A Sip of Paradise Garden blossomed in 2019 while Parker participated in Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender competition.
Her innovative fusion drink, “Eve’s Pot Liquor,” which combined green apple and collard greens, secured her a spot in the competition after impressing the judges during initial qualifications.
Reflecting on her journey, Parker admitted feeling apprehensive about being stereotyped during the competition in London.
Despite her initial fears, she found camaraderie among fellow contestants when tasked to present a project to potential investors.
Inspired to establish a garden for bartenders to grow their own garnishes, Parker returned home with a vision.
Thanks to a lifetime lease from Georgia Power and collaboration with a community farmers’ market, Parker secured a quarter-acre of land.
She quickly transformed her idea into a reality by registering A Sip of Paradise Garden as a non-profit and creating bylaws for the organization, which now includes 50 active members.
After months of hard work, the garden was ready to welcome members, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact the world.
“It gave people a sense of something,” Parker remarked, noting how the garden became a purpose-driven space for service workers.
Currently, A Sip of Paradise Garden accepts new member applications via its website, with a designated garden director overseeing the cultivation of various plants.
Mentored by gardening visionary Maurice Small, Parker has adapted the garden’s structure to promote collaboration among members.
Now gardeners share plots, while local businesses can also lease areas for community engagement, such as donating fresh produce.
What began with uncertainty about what to plant has now flourished into a vibrant garden boasting strawberries, mint, and oregano.
Additionally, the garden features beekeeping, allowing members to produce honey and utilize wax for candle-making.
A designated wooden bar offers a place for visitors to mix cocktails using their own alcohol, further enhancing the communal atmosphere.
The gardening season runs from early April to mid-December, with plans to pause during winter to allow the soil to rejuvenate.
Parker’s team also consults the Farmers’ Almanac for optimal planting schedules, ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Despite challenges faced recently in securing funding for the garden, including shifts in USDA grant availability, Parker remains dedicated to her mission.
“Our programs are designed to uplift the hospitality community and promote sustainability, health, and economic empowerment,” she emphasized.
While grants have played a role, Parker acknowledges the crucial importance of donations from individuals and brands to sustain the garden’s operations.
Determined to make the most of every dollar, Parker stated, “It was more about having a space for my friends, for us to play in the dirt.”
Ultimately, A Sip of Paradise Garden has become a symbol of empowerment and community for hospitality workers, often overlooked in the demanding service industry.
Parker summarized the garden’s significance, saying, “It’s a garden, yes, but it’s also a support system, a classroom, a therapy session, job resources, a celebration spot, and so much more.”
As Parker continues to cultivate this unique sanctuary for hospitality workers, the garden stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community collaboration.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/uatl/keyatta-mincey-parker-is-planting-seeds-of-community-for-atlanta-bartenders/WQ7YUFIWNFFBZDDHZKCYFOVR2M/
