How Working as a Bartender Shaped My Approach to UX Design and Business
Never Underestimate the Value of Work Outside Your Industry
Have you noticed how most websites and apps look and feel the same nowadays?
Yeah, me too.
As a 90s kid, I remember the excitement of surfing the web back then. You’d stumble upon unique, far-from-perfect websites, play quirky games, and get lost in experiences that felt genuinely one-of-a-kind. Now, everything feels overly streamlined. The same content is reposted across platforms. Design systems have streamlined everything into sameness.
The internet has become boring.
One reason for this is that everything is tied to algorithms and optimization, which has led to the templatization of almost everything.
But this isn’t a piece about how “things were better back in the day.” It’s about how this shift has created a hunger for something different: experiences that feel original.
As a UX designer, I used to think I was doing everything right. My processes followed industry standards, my designs were polished, and I used the same UI kits for inspiration as everyone else. My workflow was streamlined and efficient. But over time, I realized that while I was delivering high-quality work, it was boring—perfect, yet predictable.
Sure, it got the job done, and there’s a reason why it's considered the industry standard, but my results lacked that memorable factor.
That’s when I started asking myself: Am I just another designer delivering cookie-cutter results?
How Bartending Changed My Approach to Business
In 2020, while juggling studies and my freelancing business, I took on a part-time job as a bartender to stay afloat financially. I thought I was stepping into an unrelated world, but it ended up being the crash course I didn’t know I needed.
At first, I focused on mastering the basics: solid teamwork, learning drink recipes, remembering orders, and getting through the rush. But I quickly noticed something that changed how I viewed customer relationships.
Regulars didn’t come back because of the drinks. They came back because of the people.
It wasn’t the perfectly poured beer or the Instagram-worthy cocktails that kept them loyal. It was the experience we created around those moments—like recommending the right drinks when they didn’t even know what to order, simply by caring and listening.
That’s when I started to focus on the human side of my work as a designer. How could I make the experience more memorable and the results feel more genuine?
I found the answer in making my clients feel seen, their ideas valued, and understood. Instead of making them fit into my perfectly streamlined process, I learned to account for—and make room for—imperfection.
I learned it as a bartender and applied it in my design business
I started applying those lessons to my web design business.
Instead of sticking rigidly to “best practices,” I made listening my superpower. Clients who had felt unheard or misunderstood with other agencies started to stick with me specifically because I listened.
Their faces would literally light up when they realized I wasn’t just following a template or pushing my own vision, but actively working to make their ideas work, while shaping them with my professional expertise.
My work became a collaboration, not a mere transaction. The designs weren’t just functional; they were infused with personality, making both the results and the customer experience unforgettable.
Get this right, and client retention skyrockets. After all, people always remember how you made them feel.
How You Can Apply This to Your Work
Start with empathy
Step into your client’s shoes. What’s keeping them up at night? What are they afraid to admit? When you understand their pain points, you can provide solutions that resonate deeply.Listen actively
In meetings, focus on listening more than talking. Reflect their concerns back to them to demonstrate that you truly understand their needs.Personalize your process
Every client is different. Tailor your onboarding, deliverables, and communication style to reflect their unique needs and preferences.Focus on the experience, not just the outcome
It’s not just about delivering great work. Think about how your clients feel throughout the process. Do they feel understood, heard, and supported?Build relationships, not transactions
Stay engaged before, during and after the project ends. A quick check-in or a thoughtful note can go a long way in building lasting connections.Clear Boundaries and Expectations
While it’s important to make room for your client’s insights and desires, remember that you are the professional. If they knew how to do it themselves, they would have. You’re not just saying “yes” to everything—they hired you for your expertise. Be prepared to lead them thoughtfully when their requests don’t align with their best interests or the overall vision. Setting clear boundaries helps maintain the integrity of the work and the relationship.Anticipate Concerns
Don't wait for your client to come to you with concerns you can already foresee. Address potential issues before they arise to prevent friction or stress during the project or after launch. This proactive approach demonstrates your expertise and shows you care.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
In a world where everything is optimized and systematized, the human touch is your competitive edge.
You’re not just providing a service. You’re creating an experience. One that makes clients feel seen, valued, and invested in.
Have you had a similar experience? How do you bring the human touch into your work?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Best,
Bea