The Beauty in Bartending: Meet Amanda Wan of Three X Co

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 Amanda Wan of Three X Co. 

Amanda Wan is proof that personality and skill go hand in hand behind the bar. With an infectious energy and years of experience under her belt, the bartending veteran is not just a force to be reckoned with but one to look up to. In her role at Three X Co, she is known for her thoughtful menus that are crafted for the drinker who likes depth in their tipples. Moreover, she will be that friendly face behind the bar that will take you from patron to pal. Plus, you can spot her from a mile away with her voluminous hair (to say the least) and red lips. 

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 Wan’s bartending philosophies and beauty routine! 

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

When the nights flew by in the blink of an eye and the morning never seemed more inviting. Late nights and crazy travels aside, I decided to do this for a living when I realised I could take care of my parents doing what I do while being recognised for the work I do.

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

The sheer amount of cleaning involved! When we’re not making drinks, our time is spent literally being on ladders and on our knees to scrub and wipe down every nook and cranny in the bar. 

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

Get to know them as a person. People may choose to return for the drinks but they are more inclined to visit a friend more than anything else. Relationships built over time are a testament of a good bar and bartender. 

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

We are not in the drinks business serving people. We are in the people business serving drinks. Take care of the people first—guests and team members alike—and the rest will follow through. 

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

I would say the presence of women in the bartending industry is seeing a revival, ever since we saw the first female Head Bartender named Ada Coleman at The Savoy Cocktail Bar in 1903. She was there for 23 years! Perhaps in the past, the longevity of a woman’s career behind the bar has met with a shorter lifespan due to motherhood. But that is definitely changing as more women choose to, and have the ability to, return to the industry beyond motherhood … like Angel! She’s my hero. 

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

Try it on for size! Who knows, you may find that bartending looks good on you! Some keep thinking about joining, but never do. I would say give it a go and go all in. Only then will you find out if you’re suited for the hospitality industry. Aspiring female bartenders are the shape of the future. They must not only recognise the immense value they bring to an organisation, but must also understand their limitations and learn to work around them. 

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

Coley, Penrose KL, and Bar Trigona!

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

Adopt a simple yet effective skincare routine, drink lots of water, and try to have a balanced diet. I am the worst advocate for this but staying active definitely helps you feel and look a lot better! Ever since my spine injury, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of flexibility and mobility, so… let’s stretch, stretch, stretch! Oh, stay out of the sun and always wear sunnies when you’re out and about during the day!

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

Either a high ponytail, or just a half updo that keeps hair out of my eyes and face. For outdoor events, a fun bandana or a visor always helps!

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

Small hair ties, powder, eyelashes, eyeliner, and my red lips.

How do you cope with the challenging sleep schedule?

My superpower is the ability to fall asleep anywhere, anytime. So I try to take advantage of that whenever I can! Power naps are the greatest thing. Also, a good concealer does wonders [laughs].

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

Put my house keys back where they belong! I have a tendency to lock myself out of the house across the many places I’ve lived in [blushes]. 

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