Dare to Make a Difference

Dare to Make a Difference
By Lori Muraoka
Co-Founder/Manager Flair Devils, L.L.C.

Competition is the ultimate way for Flair Bartenders to show off individual talent and skill. Some compete to win and some compete for the experience. In essence, it is  passion that drives Flair Bartenders to compete, promoting the Sport and the Art that is Flair Bartending. Even with the bigger competitions offering more and more prize money and recognition, the competitors are an amazingly close-knit family as opposed to fierce rivals with a lack of sportsmanship.

Competition, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is the process of competing, as in rivalry, the effort of two or more parties acting independently to secure the business of a third party by offering the most favorable terms. Although the definition of competition refers to a contest between rivals, Flair Competitions are about so much more. Over the years Flair Competitions have brought people together from all over the world, founded friendships, inspired newcomers, and entertained onlookers. It is this unity that makes competitions one of the crucial building blocks in the growth of Flair Bartending.

“As a  founder of Flair Devils, my position is to continue to ‘pay it forward…’”

Whether the FBA endorses a major competition or Flair Co. travels to help organize a  small local competition in Southern California, the participants—the Flair Community–promotes Flair to the masses through camaraderie. The opening and success of Carnaval Court at Harrah’s laid the foundation for the openings of Shadow Bar at Caesar’s Palace and Kahunaville at T.I. Competitions have become the norm in Las Vegas for individual Flair Bartenders to showcase their talent and spark public interest. The reason Vegas competitions are so successful is because of each Flair Bartender’s dedication and commitment to the Sport and to each other, regardless of the rivalry between the businesses.

Flair in Vegas has grown so rapidly; many say there is too much rivalry among the Las Vegas local Flair Bartenders compared to other areas. I do not agree. Las Vegas local, Ken Hall of High Spirits Enterprises, a competitor, helped me with a competition I organized a few years ago at C r a z y A r m a d i l l o inside T h e

Stratosphere. As a founder of Flair Devils, my position is to continue to “pay it forward” as we have done in the past by participating in Ken’s competitions, sponsoring Flair competitions by Chicosun, judging for Flair House competitions, supporting international work visas, and encouraging Flair Bartenders across the globe from Team L.A. to House of Flair in Florida to come live and work in The Flair Bartending Capital of the World. The top Flair competitors continue to be the strongest supporters.

“Be the Best…Be a Devil” is not about winning.  It is about every Flair Bartender doing all they can to make Flair Bartending the best it can be; bringing it to the next level with it’s integrity intact. Flair and sportsmanship is first and individual success is secondary. As the sport continues to gain popularity Flair Devils will continue to promote the camaraderie that makes the art of Flair Bartending so unique.  Flair Devils will Make a Difference. Will you?

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