Today we’d like to introduce you to Ysabel Rossi.
Hi Ysabel , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started in Peru, where I went to culinary school. About 11 years ago, my mom and I moved to Miami in search of a better future and new opportunities. Like many people starting over in a new country, I took the opportunities I could find and got my first job working in a kitchen. It was hard work, but it taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of earning every opportunity.
One night after a shift, I went to Sweet Liberty, and it completely changed my perspective. It was one of the coolest bars I’d ever seen. I fell in love with the energy, the hospitality, and the creativity of the industry, so I asked if they were hiring. That decision changed the course of my career. I spent the next five years there, growing from host to server and eventually bartender.
While working there, I also started exploring my creative side through social media and photography. I’ve always loved finding ways to tell stories and connect with people, whether behind the bar or through creative content.
After Sweet Liberty, I took a job at a production company. It wasn’t the right fit for me, but I learned valuable skills that helped prepare me for my next chapter. I then became a Brand Ambassador in South Florida, representing brands like Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, and St-Germain.
For the past three years, I’ve been with Bacardi, and I couldn’t be happier. The company has given me incredible opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, every step—from culinary school in Peru, to starting over in Miami, to bartending, to brand advocacy—has shaped who I am today. At the core of it all is my passion for hospitality, creativity, and building genuine connections with people.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Starting over in a new country came with a lot of challenges. I had to deal with people making fun of my accent, the color of my skin, and not always being taken seriously. There were times when I felt like I had to work twice as hard just to prove I belonged.
I also had to adapt to a completely new culture while building my career from the ground up. There were moments of self-doubt, jobs that weren’t the right fit, and times when I questioned whether I was on the right path.
But every challenge taught me something. Instead of letting those experiences define me, I used them as motivation to keep improving, stay resilient, and continue creating opportunities for myself. Looking back, those struggles made me more confident, more empathetic, and more determined to succeed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m currently a Brand Ambassador for Bacardi in South Florida, where I work closely with the hospitality community to represent our brands through education, events, and meaningful partnerships.
What I’m most proud of is turning my passion for hospitality into a career. From working in kitchens and behind the bar to representing some of the world’s most iconic spirits, every step has helped shape who I am today.
I think what sets me apart is my authenticity. Having worked in hospitality myself, I understand the industry from the inside out, and I genuinely enjoy building relationships and creating memorable experiences for people.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Honestly, the biggest resources that help me perform my best aren’t books or podcasts—it’s movement and community. Exercise keeps me grounded, and running with my run club helps me clear my mind, stay disciplined, and connect with great people outside of work. I also enjoy staying inspired through social media, especially by following leaders in hospitality, cocktails, and creative content.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Ysarossimia
