Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Korean.
Kara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Kara Korean. I own and manage Daqs 2 Geaux, the first daiquiri shop aka ‘Daiquiri Boutique’ of its kind. Located in the East Dallas area of the Dallas metroplex, During the three years, it took building Daqs 2 Geaux behind the scenes; I obtained my Culinary Arts degree to extend my knowledge as a Chef all while fulfilling daily career duties as a Paralegal/Office Manager for a law firm in which I’ve been honored to grow with over the last half-decade.
Being able to utilize both my Culinary skills in menu production while keeping my legal career alive in the business aspect of it all has been a priceless transition into the ‘Small Business’ world.
As a young lady under 30 with 4 demanding full-time careers (Mom/Business owner/law firm duties and Seasonal Corporate Chef), I’ve grown to respect the person I’ve become. Transitioning into being a full-time business owner has been both fulfilling and worth every hour of sleep sacrificed!
From our guest that comes in to try the new ‘daiquiri shop, they’ve heard about on social media’ to the regulars that live next door or across the street. Our staff at Daqs 2 Geaux genuinely treats each guest like long lost friends or family. The products we offer is simply a bonus to the customer service we’ve become known for.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been similar to a country back road made of gravel. If you’ve never been on one, imagine a road that is a bit bumpy but then you reach a smooth point only to be shortly greeted by an unannounced pothole or two every now and again. That’s been my last few years on the road to Small Business Ownership.
The building in which captured my heart as I took the wrong exit and became lost (yet still sightseeing the area), was an old cell phone shop. No for ‘rent sign’, only dirty windows with old furniture and boxes on the other side. It was PERFECT!!!
I was a full-time culinary student halfway through my program, with an active one year old and demanding legal career when I stepped into building construction. At 27 years old with no experience whatsoever in remodeling or construction, I derailed any intimidation and self-doubt I had to pursue what was then notebooks full of plans, layouts, to-do lists, etc.
Taking a cell phone shop and turning it into a restaurant with a functioning kitchen was far from simple. I soon held the temporary title of ‘General Contractor’ with the local City offices. Handling every aspect of the building process, being to point of contact for inspectors to reach. Some days I recall hurrying out of class in the middle of baking sweet bread to rush to let an inspector in to inspect a grease trap that took pins & needles to obtain.
A lot of the time, I felt like I was ‘out of my league,’ but the people I engaged with along the way kept me confident and focused with the ongoing compliments about my braveness and surprisingly extensive knowledge for both the licensing/permit process and even plumbing.
I’ve learned that obstacles and challenges are really only ‘inclines’ we reach while on this Marathon of life. They’re both necessary and good for moral purposes. Allow whatever skills, strength & confidence you acquire during challenging times to be planted within you. Because the brighter side of making it thru obstacles and challenges is that you LEARN how to drive on the ‘roughest terrain’ and how to navigate the most unexpected potholes ; )
Daqs 2 Geaux – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
For those that aren’t familiar with the ‘Louisiana Style’ movement that has emerged to surrounding Southern states… Daiquiris have grown more popular over the years, especially since you can drive-thru & grab a gallon to take home or sit and enjoy one while listening to a live DJ and indulging in Louisiana inspired cuisine like crawfish, gumbo or fried fish baskets.
However, what we’ve done at Daqs 2 Geaux is taken the Daiquiri experience and added a twist! So, no ‘Strawberry’ or ‘Pina Colada’ here. Each daiquiri flavor has been custom made & mixed before remixing them into one of 47 ‘Potions’ we offer. Our lineup consists of daiquiris inspired by what brings us all together… MUSIC! You read right… each daiquiri is inspired and named after either songs or lyrics that give you no choice but to groove in place… kinda like New Orleans and the soul moving tunes you feel while walking down Canal Street holding a Hand Granade drink and dancing like no one is watching.
With our small, quaint yet classy shop, we’ve created the first ‘Boutique of Daiquiri Shops.’ We have neither a drive-thru nor live DJ & lounge setting. The definition of a ‘Boutique’ is a small retail shop that is small and sophisticated or fashionable. It is not only easy to start but also manageable by one person and engages the creativity and passion of the owner. All in which I’ve embraced during the building stages of Daqs 2 Geaux.
The interior of the shop is bright, vibrant and colorful! With ceiling to floor artwork and eye-catching photos, you’ll FEEL the joyful & welcoming energy right away. Being both family and kid-friendly, unlike most 21 and up daiquiri shops, also sets us apart from the ‘norm.’ Offering kid-friendly daiquiris that can be bedazzled with your favorite candy wins the hearts of our kiddo guests.
In the beginning stages, I wanted to bring not only a product but EXPERIENCE to the Daiquiri scene that would both keep its unique history intact but also add a little zest of my own. My culinary training inspired the non-traditional menu we offer of favorite foods but with culinary spins. Our ‘Jerk Tacos’ topped with fresh mango salsa pairs great with a sour yet smooth ‘Bizzy Body’ daiquiri. Our classy yet affordable ‘Chicken Parmesan Sliders’ gives our guests variety outside the fast-food norm. So be sure to stop by next time you’re in the area to Catch a Vibe you won’t forget! Love, Peace & DAIQUIRIS!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is what I’m currently experiencing…being able to wake up daily and do EVERYTHING that I love. I recently began to disagree with the saying: ‘jack of all trades, master of none…” Because you master a trade to YOUR standards…to the standards of those that support such trade. I’ve managed to take 24hrs and successfully master (4) completely different careers to my satisfaction as well as those around me. The monetary aspect happens regardless, due to my lack of attachment to it. I never ‘work’, I rarely set alarm clocks, I’ve completely abandoned the ‘sense of urgency’ mentality. I have faith that I’m constantly in alignment with the Universe, therefore I live my everyday life with fulfillment in whatever I choose to embark on (except during Mercury Retrograde…I reset & lay low ). Peace & Light.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3733 N. Town East Blvd. Suite 200
Mesquite, TX 75150 - Phone: 2145317727
- Email: daqs2geaux@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daqs2geaux/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daqs2Geaux/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/daqs-2-geaux-mesquite
- Other: Google Reviews: Daqs 2 Geaux
Image Credit:
Food Images: IG @_loud6
Person Images: FB @Richie Finesse
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