Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Saute
Hi Lindsey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in St. Cloud, FL. From the age of 8 until the age of 18, I was a competitive swimmer. I was thankful to have some great opportunities come my way during my swimming career such as traveling to Colorado for State Games of America to represent Florida at the age of 13. I owe my success then & now to my parents and my brother for being never-ending supporters no matter where life takes you. By the age of 21, I moved to New Orleans. It was such a culture shock coming from a town with cow pastures on every other patch of land to a city that never sleeps. I was working 2 jobs at the time. One as a pre-admin for inpatient surgeries at Ochsner Baptist Hospital and started a part-time job at a restaurant by my house called Bar Frances hired as a waitress. I’m thankful for all the discipline engraved into my being from both swimming and my dad. I was promoted quickly to bartender. I was a fish out of water. What is Amaro? What is an Aperitif? The bar manager there Craig Seaman, a recent father at the time, had the patience and desire to teach me. That was the start of everything. I gained so much from New Orleans and with a new outlook on my future. However, it was time for me to come home to my family. I was supposed to compete in a local cocktail competition at the Sunroom with my brother Josh. Fate had other plans, I was bitten by a German shepherd and had to back out. I gained something so much more than a win in a competition, my brother introduced me to Brantley Newton, the bar manager of a restaurant/bar getting ready to open up. The rest is history. Michael Nguyen expanded his family’s business and opened up the Moderne located in Mills 50, the place I consider a true gem.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Moving away from New Orleans felt like a setback but it was for the best. Being in a leadership role now, my biggest setback has been my self-confidence. I find it difficult to work in such large numbers and have all the spotlight on me while being the 5’3″ girl trying to get everyone’s attention with at times a soft-spoken voice. I’ve struggled to look in the mirror and give myself the credit of where I am now. Being humble is one of the most important attributes that refuse to ever part with, however, at times you need to give yourself a pat on the back and remind yourself “I got here because I worked hard for this.” Lately, reminding myself that has further motivated me to keep rising closer toward my professional & personal goals. There’s never anything wrong with opening up to your weaknesses and using the people around you to help. I’m grateful I’ve met some amazing people in my life who do just that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a bar manager at The Moderne. We do something very unique here and change our menu every month. Brantley and I oversee the tedious tasks that are involved with that, Sourcing products, meeting every week, mentoring others, liquor orders, training sheets for the staff, and ensuring everyone feels comfortable to go into a new menu on a busy night. Moderne isn’t just a restaurant/cocktail bar, we’re more. Back in 2023, I was the lead for our Women’s Month menu and organized a volunteer opportunity at a battered women’s shelter. We went in and made pizza & decorated sugar cookies with the children in the shelter. In January 2025, we’ll be launching “January’s Jukebox” which is a menu comprised of cocktails with song names that represents the creator’s hopes & aspirations for the new year (I love music ha.) I’m currently working on my second volunteer initiative with Moderne to partner with local homeless outreach organizations. Everyone deserves a fresh start so stay tuned!
I’m most proud of what I can do to help offer support to others as has been done for me.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Empathy, positive outlook on everything, and kindness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @themodernebar
