55 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston Women in Food ropes in supportive roles behind the bar, working up to her current role as AD. Funderburk has experience creating and crafting a bar program from scratch, having developed a few cocktails at O-Ku. “I have now fallen into a teaching role. I can guide and show my head bartender the ropes,” Funderburk explained. She always had a vision to excel, but her foundation came from Megan Deschaine. Funderburk expressed gratitude towards Deschaine for showing her the ropes in the bartending world. Deschaine is the mother of a 2-year-old and has grown up serving as a parental figure to her cousins and younger sister. Whether she wants to acknowledge it or not, Deschaine has paved the way for many women mixologists and bartenders in Charleston. That maternal instinct has her always looking out for others. “The term mixology used to carry a significant air of pretension — unnecessary arrogance and ostentation. I would set myself apart with new clients, catering or cocktail classes. I have the skills to create quality beverages. I understand the nuances, flavors and methods to manipulate those flavors,” Deschaine explained. She has launched her bar service company The Better Pour, which offers cocktail classes and teaches people how to create unique cocktails. Her The Better Pour partner in crime is Caroline Woodruff. DOSE THE PARTY STREAM Woodruff has a vintage Airstream trailer that she has restored for hosting events, called Dose the Party Stream. It’s the only mobile cocktail lounge, allowing people to hang out both inside and outside of it. “You must have a sense of humor when creating an atmosphere and specialty cocktails for your guests. I love what I do and enjoy using my skills to teach my guests,” Woodruff shared. The women highlighted here have changed how mixology is perceived in the Charleston bartending industry. Many more women are producing bar programs and crafting new cocktails for everyone to enjoy. Caroline Woodruff. Anja Stief | 843-971-6701 office | 843-343-8844 cell www.dishanddesign.com Helping Charleston with all its catering needs for over 25 years
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