Erika is a Native of Arizona (don’t hear about many of those) Erika states; “I was born and raised in Arizona. The summers are rough, but I don’t see myself living anywhere else. I love it here!”

Erika has been at the Dirty Dogg Saloon for just about 8 years this November. She has been in the bartending business for over 14 years! She enjoys her customers and loves helping create a fun atmosphere for people to let loose, have fun, and forget their worries at the door.  One of the reasons Erika enjoys her job is she gets to meet all kinds of people from all over the world and from all walks of life. We get to experience exciting events like weddings, engagements, and birthdays. But we are also able to be there for someone at their lowest points and help them know they aren’t alone.

I went to the Dirty Dogg when I was 21 for a birthday party. I was in complete awe. Years later I saw an opening posted on indeed and I just had to work there. Jack took some convincing but I wouldn’t take no for an answer. Almost 8 years later and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. “Many people think working somewhere like the Dirty Dogg is demeaning. When it’s actually the polar opposite, I have never felt more empowered as a woman. I have also never been as comfortable and confident in my own skin. Unlike many places I’ve worked for, we are allowed to stand up for ourselves and each other when someone acts out of line. I get to work with a badass team of women and men who have truly become my family. It’s home away from home.”

We asked Erika a few rapid fire questions:

A little more about Erika: When she’s not bartending she works for herself- doing eyelash extensions at a salon in Scottsdale. Making women feel beautiful is such a fun job to have!!! I’ve also recently started making candles and custom shirts. That business will launch next month. (Both business ventures were funded by bartending money)

We could be cliché and say she likes Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain, but how about we give you some real fun facts about the lovely Erika; she likes music- Colt Ford, Moonshine Bandits, The Lacs, and Lindsey Sterling, anything that makes me want to move. Her hobbies include anything outdoors! She loves hiking with my dogs, shooting, off-roading, and camping.

Her advice for up and coming bartenders, not every bar is fit for every bartender. Find the bar that feels like home and your co-workers are like family. Bartending will introduce you to really great people and open doors you didn’t even know were there. Be patient. Don’t let anyone tell you this isn’t a “real job”. At the right place you can make a great living. I even got to be part of a documentary! Really cool things can happen with the right mind set.

So when you come on in and get service by the fabulous Erika, Remember – “Erika says; this is my happy face! (My RBF is strong so people think I’m mad, when really, it’s just my face)”