SHAKIERA Johnson never imagined that a single photograph would foreshadow the trajectory of her life. Years ago, on an outing in Ocho Rios, she stood in front of a Carnival Cruise Line ship, capturing a moment in time with no inkling that one day she would be embarking on a life-changing career with the very same company. Today, as a beverage operations trainer for Carnival Cruise Line, Johnson’s story is an illustration of resilience, reinvention, and the boundless opportunities within the bartending profession.

Born and raised in Portmore, St Catherine, Johnson’s early ambitions were vast and varied. She dreamed of becoming a singer, a passion that later served as an unexpected advantage in her bartending career. After studying food and nutrition at Bridgeport High School, she initially pursued cosmetology, working in salons, first sweeping the floors and cleaning towels, then mastering the craft of hair and nails. However, the industry became saturated, and with dwindling clients, she knew she had to pivot.

Her introduction to bartending was serendipitous. While watching television one day, she came across a feature on mixology, sparking an interest she had never considered. She soon learned about the Diageo, now Desnoes & Geddes (D&G), Learning for Life programme, and decided to take a chance. However, the decision to pursue bartending was not met with unanimous support. Friends and colleagues questioned why she would leave the world of cosmetology to work behind a bar. At the time, the profession was often reduced to stereotypes. “People thought bartending meant working in a little corner bar, but I saw more. I stepped outside the box and told myself, ‘Wherever this takes me, I will go’.”

The rigorous nine-week D&G Foundation Mixology training programme was an eye-opener, giving her a deeper understanding of bartending as an intricate art form rather than a mere service role. Through the programme, Johnson gained first-hand experience working at Red Stripe’s corporate events, honing her craft at high-profile functions and private parties. She quickly realised that bartending was more than pouring drinks — it required precision, creativity, and an understanding of flavour profiles and techniques. The role also demanded endurance, as long hours on her feet often left her physically and emotionally drained.

Despite the challenges, Johnson was determined to excel. Her charisma and talent set her apart.

“At the beginning of the programme, I knew nothing about mixology — nothing about cocktails, spirits, or wines,” she shared. But to her own astonishment, she graduated as the valedictorian. In fact, it was through this D&G Learning for Life programme that she secured a position as a bartender on Carnival Cruise Line — the very same one she had unknowingly posed in front of years prior. It was this opportunity that allowed her to visit 29 countries, including Australia, Bermuda, The Bahamas, Aruba, Curaçao, the US. Virgin Islands, and Sint Maarten. Her ability to engage guests through both mixology and music created memorable experiences, leading to rapid career advancement.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the cruise industry to a standstill, Johnson once again adapted. She launched @mixedcocktailsja on social media, sharing her cocktail creations and gaining clientèle for private events. What began as a survival strategy blossomed into a respected brand, reinforcing her expertise in the field. By the time cruising resumed, she had sustained herself financially while expanding her professional network.

Now, as the beverage operations trainer, she is responsible for mentoring and shaping the next generation of bartenders employed by Carnival Cruise Line. Her journey underscores the limitless potential within the hospitality industry, demonstrating that bartending is a craft, a career, and for Johnson, a means of elevating her life and the life of her mother. Her greatest motivation is her mother, who once shouldered the family’s financial burdens alone.

“For years, my mom did everything for me. When she lost her job during the pandemic, the roles reversed. Now, I am the one responsible for her.”

Reflecting on her path, Johnson acknowledges the sacrifices and perseverance that brought her here. What started as a leap of faith into an unconventional career has turned into a fulfilling profession that continues to open doors. From the young woman who once faced scepticism for leaving a salon job to the accomplished trainer, she is today, her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the boldest decisions often lead to the most rewarding outcomes.

Years ago in Ocho Rios, D&G Foundation Mixology graduate Shakiera Johnson captured a moment in front of a Carnival Cruise Line, unknowingly setting the stage for a future with the company that would change her life.