Lolecia Day shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Lolecia , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think people think we are a club or a restaurant, But we are just a bar. Even though we do have music that makes anyone want to get up and dance. And, although we serve food, we are not a restaurant. We are a bar where community comes together to vibe. Where else can you find a whole bar singing along to favorite songs??
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Day Drink Wine and Cocktail Lounge, located in Duncanville, Texas is a great place to vibe with friends and lovers.
“Day Drink Lounge is so much more than I could have imagined,” said Owner, LoLecia Day. Day was an educator for over 20 years, and then quit shortly after opening Day Drink Lounge because she “needed to change the trajectory of her life..”
One of the unique things about Day Drink Lounge is that they regularly offer several Black Owned Liquor Brands and often collaborate with other black owned busi esses.
“…there are Black Owned Liquor Brands on the shelves, Black art on the walls, and (mostly) Black artists who perform here… but we also carry other local brands, too.
“…I started this place as a place for people my age- because at the time there was no place on this side of town to get craft cocktails, eat some delicious light bites and just chill…”
Day says her typical customer is over 35 and they appreciates craft cocktails and the chill vibe of the lounge. The always soulful music is never too loud for a great conversation, and the craft cocktails lend themselves for watching the game, lounging and enjoying old friends and forging new friendships.
“You never know who you will meet at Day Drink Lounge, either. We’ve had some local celebrities and even some international celebrities come through..” Not one to name drop, she has photos of celebrities and well-known persons on the wall next to the lounge seating.
When you walk in, there is an instant “Ooh” moment because, based on the exterior, it isn’t what you would expect to find in that location.
The hidden gem has a speak easy-ish vibe created by a low metallic ceiling, blue walls – a nod to the Mavericks, Cowboys, and the Rangers -, wood accents, about 20 barstools, two tables in the back and seating for 15 more on the long bench.
Currently, weekly events include hookah on Mondays and Tuesdays, and DJs Thursday through Saturdays. Sometimes their is live entertainment too.
Day Drink Lounge offers Mobile Bartending Services, Cocktail Classes, Currated Spirit Tastings, Business Networking Events, and Art Exhibits. A supper club is coming soon.
The bar is also available for private events like Corporate Happy Hours with Team Building Activities.
To book their services and to keep up with their events, visit their website: www.daydrinklounge.com or join them on social media- Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok @daydrinklounge
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Death of loved ones, broken relationships, health issues, lost friendships, financial failures are setbacks everyone goes through if they live long enough.
I have mantras that have helped to guide me through all fears and indecisive moments on this journey of entrepreneurship. Things I say to recenter myself and realign myself. People who know me have heard me say them all the time.
1. Nothing lasts.
Good or bad, the key is to enjoy or endure it. Use the time in between to appreciate and/or to learn.
2. Everything happens as it is supposed to.
I believe there is a higher power- more immense than we can ever imagine. I also believe that there are things we cannot control and so there is no need to worry about those things, but instead we should work on controlling the things we can – like our own decisions, the effort we put into our manifestations and the energy we put into the world.
3. Think good thoughts.
I say this to remind myself to expect good things to happen.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I am always as real as I can be: I often say things that make people laugh, cringe or blush-sometimes intentionally. Sometimes I am socially awkward, sometimes I command the room.
Most times, I laugh with my mouth wide open, challenge ideas with my eyes alert and discourse passionately with my mind open.
However, by nature, I am an introvert. I have many hobbies that are solo endeavors like drawing, reading, cooking, and (before knee surgery) running.
People think because I own Day Drink Lounge that I am an extroverted party goer, and though I do socialize, I must have a lot of solo time to recharge. And I need a lot of solo time to get ready beforehand, too.
Overall, I am the most real that I know how to be.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
When I made the decision to open Day Drink Lounge, I didn’t tell anyone for a long time. When I was working on it, my friends and coworkers said I was glowing and to keep doing whatever I was doing.
I was teaching full time and, for 6 months, I worked two jobs, holidays and weekends to make my dream come to life.
I was afraid and excited; I was exhausted and exhilarated. But I hadn’t felt so alive in so long, that I knew I was on the right path.
The excitement is still there!
Everyday I open the bar there are new customers to welcome, existing customers to reconnect with, new cocktails to create and new ideas to explore!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.daydrinklounge.com
- Instagram: @daydrinklounge
- Linkedin: Day Drink Lounge
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/Day Drink Lounge
- Yelp: Day Drink Lounge
- Other: TikTok Tok- @Day Drink Lounge
