Her Story
About Tatiana
Tatiana Johnson is a dedicated hospitality professional and Restaurant Manager at The Pearl Restaurant and Bar within The Sam Houston Hotel in Houston, Texas. She began her hospitality career in 2013 and has built extensive experience across senior living, hotels, nightlife, and fine dining. At The Sam Houston Hotel, Tatiana advanced from bartender to bar manager before moving into her current restaurant management role, reflecting her strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment to the hospitality industry. In her position, Tatiana oversees the daily operations of The Pearl Restaurant and Bar, focusing on exceptional guest experiences, food and beverage quality, and team performance. Her areas of expertise include customer service, mixology, presentation, staff training, inventory management, quality control, and restaurant operations. She is passionate about maintaining high standards, developing her team, and creating memorable dining experiences that encourage guests to return. Outside of her primary career, Tatiana is an entrepreneur and mother who values family, perseverance, accountability, leadership, and continuous personal and professional growth. She also operates a mobile bartending business, Sippin' with Todi, and hopes to expand her entrepreneurial ventures in the future. Her long-term aspirations include advancing into an F&B Director or Operations Manager position and eventually opening a room bed and breakfast, while inspiring other women through her journey of persistence and success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tatiana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to myself, my determination, and perseverance. I've come a long way from starting in a small senior living facility to becoming a manager, showing up every day even when not feeling my best, and getting things done despite challenges.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep learning, continue growing, and never be afraid to pursue opportunities that challenge me to take on greater responsibility. My own career progression—from bartender to bar manager and ultimately to restaurant manager—has taught me the value of staying open to learning and embracing the next step. Each new role has pushed me to develop my skills, build confidence, and grow both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't quit. Don't give up. Keep aiming for it, keep going, show up for yourself and hold yourself accountable. There will be people who don't want you to succeed or teach you, but don't let that discourage you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially with the demanding schedule of restaurant management. However, hospitality also offers opportunities for career advancement and entrepreneurship. I hope to continue growing my mobile bartending business, Sippin' with Todi, while working toward my long-term goal of opening a 60–100-room bed and breakfast.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are family, especially being able to provide for my daughter, as well as continuous learning and personal growth. I also value high standards, leadership, perseverance, accountability, and consistently showing up and giving my best every day.
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