Name: Jessica J.
Position: Head Bartender
Hotel: Courtyard Toronto Downtown

For Jessica, bartending is more than mixing drinks — it’s about creating moments that make guests feel welcome and eager to return. As Head Bartender at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto, she crafts handcrafted beverages to meet every request, always aiming to send guests home happy. 
 
Her path to mixology started behind a different counter. “What inspired me to be a mixologist was working as a barista,” she says. “I realized I could apply my knowledge of making beverages here at the bar.” That transition allowed her to deliver fast, high-quality service — and some of the best cocktails in town. 

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After more than a decade with Marriott, Jessica credits the guests and her colleagues for keeping her inspired. “It’s like a big family here,” she says. And with her enrollment in the Elevate Me program, she’s now building the management skills she hopes will one day make her an exceptional leader in the company. 

We asked Jessica to share more about her journey, what she loves about her role, and how she’s preparing for the next step in her career. 

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

The most fulfilling thing to me is making sure a guest is satisfied during their stay. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing the guest is going home happy and wants to come back and stay at our hotel. 

How did you get started in mixology? 

I started as a barista and realized I could apply my beverage-making skills to bartending. I was able to provide guests with a fast experience and make sure they got the best cocktail. 

What are you working on now to grow your career? 

I’m currently enrolled in the Elevate Me program to help me build my management skills so I can be an excellent manager one day and excel in this company the way I hope to. 

What has kept you at Marriott for more than a decade? 

Definitely the guests and how my coworkers treat me — it’s like a big family here. 

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