Aistis Zidanavicius shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Aistis, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Since coming to Miami I always used to tell other bartenders that I want the bar I work in to be one of the best in Miami. And recently, after 6 years of working, creating and inspiring, the bar that I am building for almost 2 years now – Panamericano, got a Pinnacle recognition as one of the best in the world. I’m really excited and can’t wait to see what is next!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For the last 2 years I was calling myself Bar Shaman and working on a very uniqur project – Panamericano Bar. We are a modern speakeasy celebrating American continents in a way, that all our liqueurs and spirits selection in entirely only from American continents (South, North and Caribbean Americas). We are also a mixology bar and pay a lot of attention to modern mixology, unique and impactful garnishes and culinary approach to cocktails. Part of our cocktail menu is also based on American ceremonies. We have 3 very special cocktail that comes in a very special ceremonial way with explanation and a ceremony itself for you to enjoy at our bar.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There is no one particular moment that shaped my worldview. Every book I read or a trip I take puts its input and slightly shapes my understanding. Recently I read a book called Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger and it really changed my perception and understanding of the achievements, dedication and abilities. That will definitely shape my life in the future. That was a powerful book and the story that really shook my world.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, many times 🙂 One I remember very well, that led me to a great victory, was around 10 years ago. That time, even I prepared so hard and long, and still didn’t pass the qualifiers in my country and was not accepted into the finals. I was very disappointed and I told to myself that I won’t compete anymore in bartenders competitions and I was pretty sure I won’t. But the next year came and the same competition came up and I decided to give it one more try. That led me to the 2nd place among all 3 Baltic countries. And the third year I won the 1st place among all 3 Baltic countries. Never give up!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I have a board of people who I really admire I would like to meet one day. One of them is Steve Jobs for his vision and making those visions come truth. Unfortunately I won’t be able to meet him anymore. Another person is Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was always my hero since childhood, I watched all his movies, but recently I read his book and it gave me a totally new view on him. I really admire him on dedication, hard work and achievements.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, many times 🙂 I am a very goal oriented person and always some goals and dreams to chase. And almost always after achieving what I wanted, the next day I am already working on some other bigger goal. It is not that I am not satisfied with achieving something, for me there is always another battle to win, another mountain to climb. I realized that my life is not just about achieving, it is more about the journey towards it. It is about what person I become while going toward my dreams. And that drives me the most!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aistismixology.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aistiszidanavicius
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/aistiszidanavicius
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/aistis.zidanavicius
