The Beauty in Bartending: Meet Maria Escobia of Penrose KL

Welcome to ‘The Beauty in Bartending’, a five-part series featuring a quintet of Malaysia’s leading female bartenders, who dish on their careers and beauty routines. Why beauty? Because who knows more about long-lasting makeup looks more than these powerhouses who spend long hours shaking up a storm behind the bars. In this read, we get to know Maria Escobia of Penrose KL. 

A beacon of light in the otherwise dimly lit Penrose KL, Maria Escobia is evidence that a bar needs more than its bartenders. As bar manager of one of the city’s most esteemed bars (and Asia’s No. 8 bar at that), Escobia has more on her plate than cocktail garnishes. She has been an integral figure in Penrose KL’s rise to global glory, supporting and leading her team through daily operations beyond the patron’s eyes. But while her day to day may be hectic and physical, one thing’s for certain: that winged eyeliner is not going anywhere. 

In this interview series, we’re taking our conversations one step further by asking our tipple talents about their makeup looks and self-care regimens that get them through the demanding hours. Read on to find out more about Escobia’s role as a bar manager and how she achieves her signature shift look.     

At what point did you realize you wanted to be a bartender/could do this for a living?

Before being a part of the industry, I was always the guest—going to bars or attending guest shifts and gatherings. I fell in love with the community because it was one where everyone in the industry was very welcoming and happy to share their knowledge. I started as a part-time runner on the floor, working during the day 8am to 4pm, then heading to the bar until 3am. After a while of this routing, I had to make a decision about where to put my focus so that I don’t burn out. 

I realized that bartending it’s not just about crafting cocktails—it’s more well-rounded than that. All the skills I’ve learned from being at the bar could apply to my daily life. The discipline and skills of being a performer and educator could be applied to being a bartender. I decided to do this for a living because there was always something new to learn or experience. It could be trends, service, a new team member, or new friends—it’s a continuous learning journey. I love the challenges of the job, as I find them exciting and view them as something to look forward to. As a whole, I just also love applying my creativity to crafting new cocktails. 

What is one responsibility most people don’t know about when it comes to bartending?

If there’s one responsibility when it comes to bartending that most people don’t know about, I would say organising and cleaning the bar. Most of the time, being in the bar, we have to make sure the bar is neat in order for us to know where the equipment is so the bar’s flow runs smoothly during service. It’s also to make sure everything looks orderly. And while organising all the equipment and random stuff at the bar, we have to make sure everything is always spotless. We do this every day before and after service and it will take about one to three hours of our time.

How do you get guests to keep coming back to your bar?

Make them feel welcome when they come into the bar, always check on them if they need anything, or give recommendations. Have good conversations and make sure they leave the bar with a smile.

What is your mantra when it comes to the bartending profession?

Always operate professionally with effort, elegance, clear communication, compassion, and clarity.

Would you agree that bartending has become a boys club and how has that impacted your career?

I would agree that most of the people in the bar or bartenders are men. I’ve managed a team full of men. But I’ve also realised that there are a fair number of women in leadership roles at the bars. Though, being around predominantly male teams didn’t impact my career. I have a great mentor and still work with a team that are mostly men, who respect each other and protect each other. The men in Penrose always protect the women they work with. It can be seen with gestures as simple as walking us to our cars. And in my opinion, although men and women may not be equal, they’re free to express their different natures.

What’s one piece of advice you have for young women looking to join the industry?

Find the best place for you to work in the industry that suits you best, where you feel protected and heard. Find a good leader and mentor who shares their knowledge and gives opportunities for you to grow.

Shoutout your three favourite bars to visit as a guest in KL!

In every bar I’ve visited, I’ve always had my favourite drink that you can’t find in other bars, since every bar has a different concept and style. With that being said…, I’ll just have to list four bars. It would be Bar Trigona, Three X Co, Reka:Bar, and Neighbour Club by JWC.

What are your best tips for long-lasting beauty beat behind the bar?

Firstly, prioritise your beauty sleep. Moisturiser is also key, especially when you work in a humid or cold bar, plus good foundation or powder. Eyeliner and lipstick are also my must-haves to make me look more alive during service.

What is your go-to hairstyle for work? How do you stay cute and F&B-friendly?

This 60s hairstyle that I don’t know the name of! It makes my hair look slightly puffy with something like a heart-shaped puff on top and a ponytail. I always groom myself by dressing up, putting on some makeup, and making my hair look clean and sleek. Every day, I try to go for a different style so long as it’s a black or white suit look. Personally though, I avoid red lipstick sometimes, as it makes me look unapproachable—especially when I don’t smile.

What are your must-have beauty products for every shift? 

Kiehl’s toner and facial cream, L’Oréal foundation, Maybelline waterproof mascara, Silky Girl lip cream and matte eyeliner, as well as the Versace Dylan Blue fragrance.

How do you cope with the challenging sleep schedule?

I try to keep a balance in my everyday routine, aiming to sleep at least six to seven hours a night. In the morning, I do about one to two hours of work behind the laptop and I also hit the gym at least three to four times a week. My meals are also generally pretty healthy!

What’s the first thing you do when you get back home from a long shift?

I take a shower! Every now and then, if I’m hungry, I would have a light meal, but usually I will just have some hot water while reflecting or updating the service report. Once everything is done, I watch some random movie on Netflix for at least 30 minutes, then head to bed.

Find the rest of ‘The Beauty in Bartending’ series here.