Balanced Bartender
Stay healthy, Bar Meisters
What was it like being thrust into the global spotlight after partaking in the TV series?
It was certainly much different than I expected. The wait for the show's release was long and at times a little nerve-racking, but once I was informed of the release date the anxiety began to build. I'm a humble guy so to receive tons of random messages from strangers who really enjoyed my cocktails and my style on the show was a bit overwhelming. I would get more notifications on my phone from friends and strangers alike in one day than I would probably get in a week or month. It was not necessarily a bad thing though. One of the best and most flattering moments was receiving messages from aspiring bartenders in other countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and some South American countries who wanted my help and advice on how to become a better bartender - some even asked if they could stage for me or be my barback. This was one of those abstract emotions that truly made the experience worth it.
How do you maintain balance with the vast influx in opportunities that have come your way since the show aired?
Balance is key. My life is already busy with 2 jobs, my family (my lovely partner Ash and our 2 dogs Odin and Silas), a new family-owned business, and me trying to make my dreams of being a bar owner in Fort Wayne a reality. The last thing I really want is to become inseparable from my phone and my computer - checking messages and emails and responding to every mention of me or comment about my time on the show. A good friend once told me that our phones come with this pretty cool feature - an 'OFF' button, or at the very least a 'Do-Not-Disturb' option. Honestly, I set a time every day that is around 6pm or so, and after that time I try my best to not respond to every email, message, or gig opportunity. Those things will be there the next day and I can reply later. Mental health is so much more important than some people realize, especially for those of us in the hospitality and people business. I cannot be the best version of myself for me or my circle of people if my mind isn't given a chance to rest and reboot.
What was it like being thrust into the global spotlight after partaking in the TV series?
It was certainly much different than I expected. The wait for the show's release was long and at times a little nerve-racking, but once I was informed of the release date the anxiety began to build. I'm a humble guy so to receive tons of random messages from strangers who really enjoyed my cocktails and my style on the show was a bit overwhelming. I would get more notifications on my phone from friends and strangers alike in one day than I would probably get in a week or month. It was not necessarily a bad thing though. One of the best and most flattering moments was receiving messages from aspiring bartenders in other countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and some South American countries who wanted my help and advice on how to become a better bartender - some even asked if they could stage for me or be my barback. This was one of those abstract emotions that truly made the experience worth it.
How do you maintain balance with the vast influx in opportunities that have come your way since the show aired?
Balance is key. My life is already busy with 2 jobs, my family (my lovely partner Ash and our 2 dogs Odin and Silas), a new family-owned business, and me trying to make my dreams of being a bar owner in Fort Wayne a reality. The last thing I really want is to become inseparable from my phone and my computer - checking messages and emails and responding to every mention of me or comment about my time on the show. A good friend once told me that our phones come with this pretty cool feature - an 'OFF' button, or at the very least a 'Do-Not-Disturb' option. Honestly, I set a time every day that is around 6pm or so, and after that time I try my best to not respond to every email, message, or gig opportunity. Those things will be there the next day and I can reply later. Mental health is so much more important than some people realize, especially for those of us in the hospitality and people business. I cannot be the best version of myself for me or my circle of people if my mind isn't given a chance to rest and reboot.
What is our wellness challenge for the month of May?
Our wellness challenge for the month of May is - STRETCHING! Over the past 2 months I have traveled all over doing different bar events. Early on in my travels I started having this horrible pain in my thigh and glute. I was not taking the best physical care of myself while on the road and later came to the conclusion that I may be experiencing some Sciatica-type pain due to long hours, poor posture, and lack of core-strength. So, I reached out to some friends and the number one answer to my issues was STRETCHING. So during the month of May - I encourage everyone to stretch for 15 minutes twice daily. These stretches don't need to be anything fancy or arduous - just some good ole middle school gym class stretches. I typically give myself an extra 15 minutes in the morning before work to stretch now and then another 15 minutes in the evening before dinner or after.
How can people follow all of the incredible work you are doing?
The best way to see what I am up to is following me on Instagram and on Facebook. I am not the best at self-marketing but I am working on it! There you can see what I'm building or crafting and with some amazing other bar-minded humans. Feel free to reach me on IG or shoot me an email. If anyone ever finds themselves in Fort Wayne Indiana - feel free to hit me up and I'd be happy to show you the city I love and the city I call home.
IG: @raj.shukla88
FB: https://www.facebook.com/raj.shukla.142/
Email: Rajkumar.ydshukla@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
As a hospitality professional and veteran bartender - Raj Shukla's passion for spirits and cocktails has set him apart in the bar and cocktail world - locally, nationally, and now globally. In Fort Wayne, Indiana he has designed and crafted exceptional cocktails at many renowned venues. Raj has competed in and won numerous cocktail competitions within the Midwest and across the US. Most recently Raj was featured in a new show featured on NETFLIX called Drink Masters. When he is not behind the stick you can find Raj teaching couples and group cocktail classes, hosting bourbon and whiskey tastings, as well as bartending at pop-up bars and private events around the region.

Amie Ward is a Veteran Bartender, exercise physiologist and has been outspoken on her fellow service industry members' health and wellness. When she is not pulling trucks and training for Strongwoman competitions, you can find Amie appreciating the finer things in life like Jägermeister.
IG: @thehealthtender
Website: The Healthtender