ASIA PACIFIC, 8 MARCH 2022 – “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish,” said Michelle Obama. Bartenders, bar managers, beverage directors, creators, distillers and ambassadors – whether it be by remembering how women are some of the most influential and powerful individuals we know, or just how they inspire us with their passion, creativity and unbridled dedication to their craft in the drinks and hospitality industry, we are honoured to have them in our lives and taking the time to really celebrate them.
To mark International Women’s Day, we sat down with four Proof’s women as they shared their love for the industry and even, tips for future generations.
Elaine Hardiman
Favourite Cocktail: Negroni – thanks to 28 HongKong Street
Favourite Past times: Bike-riding with her toddler in tow and hosting friends for dinner.
Best Proof Moment: To see her finance team come through it together and be stronger after the toughest two years in any of our personal and professional lives.
Born in Kuala Lumpur but moved to Melbourne at a young age, Elaine Hardiman considers herself a proud Aussie with an international background. Even with extensive experience in the fashion and retail industry, she had a smooth transition into the F&B industry when she joined Proof. “Of course, it also helps that I had studied many of our products closely over the years as I visited cocktails bars from New York to Shoreditch to Lan Kwai Fong,” she quipped.
“As quoted from one of the most inspirational female leaders, “Motivation comes from working on things we care about. It also comes from working with people we care about.” Proof has been and always will continue to be a great place to build a career. The business I joined 4 years ago compared to the business today is so different and yet has retained the same ingredient that made me want to join in the first place, a thirst to be the best in the industry!”
Jordan Ashleigh
Favourite Cocktail: Vieux Carre
Favourite Past times: Keeping fit through bouldering, hiking, yoga and kickboxing. She’s also a Reformer Pilates instructor on the side.
Best Proof Moment: As a fellow lover of travelling, she loved visiting our brand partners’ distilleries and exploring their local cities.
From humble beginnings in Far North Queensland (the rum state), Jordan Ashleigh found her love of bartending and the hospitality industry when she moved to the United Kingdom in 2015. From masterclasses, local competitions, and bartending across the country, our bubbly and energetic member immersed herself in the cocktail country before joining Proof in 2018.
A huge believer in trying everything to find what you are good at (and not good at), our Brand Manager for Proof’s Australia & New Zealand shares her favourite quote from Paulo Coelho, “Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”
Trisha Chan
Favourite Cocktail: French 75
Favourite Past times: Tennis, exploring new cities during her travels, and experimenting with recipes, especially desserts and cocktails.
Best Proof Moment: Stepping into the office on my first day and being welcomed to the warm and passionate members of Proof & Company.
Having worked in technology and healthcare companies in the Silicon Valley, joining the Hospitality and Spirits Industry was the last place Trisha Chan thought she would ever be. “My time at Proof has been an amazing journey so far because I realized that my legal skills are easily transferrable from industry to industry and even align with my personal interests which makes it even more fun!”
When asked what advice would she offer to her younger self and future generations, “I know it sounds cliché, but don’t give up on your dreams or goals. Always be curious – you never know where life will take you or what opportunities are around the corner!”
Eve Guo
Favourite Cocktail: Old Fashioned
Favourite Past times: Levelling up in her yoga practices, swimming, and discovering cultures when travelling
Best Proof Moment: Being able to learn and grow everyday in this thriving and vibrant culture.
From Chang Chun, Jilin Province in China, Eve Guo envisioned a career where everyone is able to develop professionally and personally, an industry that is all about diversity and opportunity. And she found this in the hospitality industry – from the Novotel in Bangkok, Club Med in Phuket, and Wynn Palace in Macau to her current role as Sales Manager in Proof & Company.
“A career in the hospitality industry is all about passion and learning. You would need to venture out of your comfort zone and transform every experience as a new opportunity to develop yourself better.”