Kim Haasarud, Founder of Liquid Architecture

Instagram: @khaasarud

Twitter: @mommymixologist

I chose this as my career because I was doing something I love. I didn’t really choose it; it just evolved into a career. 

I hope my greatest contribution to the Valley culinary scene is two-fold. For the trade (that’s bartenders), teaching them that simplicity is close to godliness. Creativity is nothing without balance. For consumers, I just want craft cocktails to be approachable and fun.  

Discovery and teaching is what I love most about what I do. Working against some people’s perception of what a “bar” or cocktail is is the biggest challenge. I hope to continue to move that needle so craft cocktails and spirits are seen in the same light as top-of-class culinary experiences.

I separate myself and my brand from others in this field by taking a client’s idea and making it approachable, replicable and operational. We love the creative process of creating drink programs, but we also look at it through a rigorous operational lens.

I draw inspiration from my travels. I’m fortunate to get to see a lot of what’s happening in beverage around the United States and beyond. I’m constantly inspired.

My New Year’s resolution is to get the Garden Bar in Roosevelt South open by third quarter 2019!

My greatest advice to share with young girls is to work hard and work smart. You are going to encounter many obstacles and failures but embrace them as learning opportunities, not unobtainable brick walls. You need to fail to succeed and be prepared in life. One of my favorite quotes that I live by is "luck is when opportunity meets preparedness.”

Liquid Architecture focuses on drink development, bar design and training solutions for large- and small-scale operations.