In October of last year, I came up with an idea to create an adult lounge where customers could enjoy a good time in an elegant and stylish space. A place where good music was a focus and guests could feel comfortable in an upscale atmosphere. Nothing really fit the bill in El Paso, but after much market research, I realized it was an undertaking I wasn’t prepared for — on my own. As luck would have it, things changed in January, and I was fortunate to connect with a great group of partners (including an existing restaurant owner!) to forge this new adventure.
We developed a pop-up restaurant and bar experience that services a high-end clientele, while maintaining a distinct flavor and edge, with curated music from greats like George Michael, Pet Shop Boys and even Spanish artists like Timbiriche.
My new partners let me know that I’d be considered a promoter — a term that was entirely new to me, so I turned to Google to figure out exactly what a promoter does, and what makes a great one. A great promoter, I came to discover, is a hard worker, a hustler, someone with their finger on the pulse of the city. Someone like Troy Gordon from @Troygordonnyc, a New York City-based real estate mogul and restaurant and club promoter.
On a whim, I reached out to him to see if he would serve as a mentor for me, and to my surprise and delight, he responded. Coincidentally, I was heading to Manhattan that weekend for Fall Market, so we made plans to meet. When he asked to meet at 12, I assumed he meant the afternoon — but I should have known — he meant 12 AM! Typically in El Paso, I’m asleep by 10 p.m., but this late night intrigued me so I eagerly accepted. We met at 1OAK, a New York City nightclub, and he immediately introduced me to a fellow fashionista from Canada who also owns a contemporary boutique. The entire evening was surreal, packed with beautiful people, beautiful places, good vibes and great music. Troy’s passion for people and nightlife was palpable, and I am happy to share same spark.
I explained to him my concept and asked him his advice on how I should execute, and his advice was succinct: “Trust me — do a brunch.”
I came back to El Paso so inspired and ready to unleash what I had learned. I called my partners and pitched a brunch, and now. Within that same week of my return, I implemented all I had learned on my trip and mobilized my friends to have a trial run. GAL clients were invited and shopped for brunch outfits, got dolled up, set the ambiance, queued up the DJ and opened the doors. The mood was set and I was in my element. To see our clients dressed to the nines, with the florals, fashion and food. My vision had come to life and I was ready for more. So goes the birth of the GAL Brunch. We hosted our recent event at local hotspot, Gusto. All of our readers and clients were invited, dressed to impress and ready for a good time. Where class and elegance met for a party in the city of El Paso.
