Would you have guessed that three of Downtown Indy’s hottest clubs are run by women under 30? It all started when Katelin Reeves and Caroline Hafsten were bartending at Blu, with Molly Brickel cocktailing. Their lives have changed, but they still look out for each other.
We talked to Molly, manager of Sensu; Katelin, manager of Blu/Hyde; and Caroline, event & VIP coordinator at Bartini’s, to find out the best part of their jobs — and the song you should stop requesting.
You’d be OK if you never heard this popular nightclub tune ever again?
Molly: “The Cupid Shuffle.”
Katelin: Bubba Sparkxxx “Ms. New Booty.”
Caroline: Pretty much anything by Lady Gaga.
How did you get into this field of work?
Molly: Marc Cocke (former Blu/Hyde GM) started it all. I did bottle service at Blu Lounge.
Katelin: I started bartending at the Claddagh and was pulled over by Marc when Blu opened.
Caroline: At Bartini’s, I came on last minute to help (bartend) when a girl quit right before opening night, then when the event & VIP coordinator position opened up I voiced my desire to take over.
Best thing about your job?
Molly: Throwing a party every night and getting paid to do so!
Katelin: My regulars. Even running a nightclub, you can make some sort of small difference in people’s lives.
Caroline: I know it sounds corny, but I really enjoy making someone’s event special.
What sets your club apart from the rest?
Molly: Bringing in the best DJs and national acts to Indy, keeping on top of club trends and throwing the hottest parties.
Katelin: I really see Blu as the “Cheers” of nightclubs. We know our regulars by name, what they drink, and take care of them when they go overboard.
Caroline: The ability to enjoy two completely different venues under one roof. Where else can you find a mechanical bull, sports on the TVs, DJs, bottle service and go-go dancers?
Does being female make your job harder or easier?
Molly: I’m a very persuasive young lady (wink, wink). The downfall being I have to speak a bit louder and bit more harshly to get a point across at times. Once people have met me and learn how I run this business, respect is properly shown!
Katelin: I think it’s got less to do with gender and more with personality. I’m a big communicator, and my staff really respects that. On the downside, it can be more difficult to be taken seriously, and I do need to work on being a bit more aggressive.
Caroline: There are always ups and downs to being a woman in a male-dominated field, but If you stick to what you believe is right, usually everything works out. Oh, and always having a smile on your face doesn’t hurt, either!
Favorite cocktail?
Molly: Patron straight.
Katelin: I have a love for tequila, particularly Patron and newcomer Corzo.
Caroline: Ketel One and soda, but I do have a weakness for bubbly as well.
Best hangover cure?
Molly: Sleep in past noon…and Qdoba.
Katelin: Drink water and take Advil before going to bed — it really does work. I'm big on “the hair of the dog,” but if this isn’t an option, a big glass of chocolate milk or McDonald’s is my go-to.
Caroline: Two Advil, tons of water and crawl back in bed.
Worst pickup line you’ve heard?
Molly: So what are you doing when you get off work?
Katelin: Really, it’s the best and worst. I had a guy tell me my butt was like “two hardboiled eggs wrapped in a handkerchief” — he handed it to me on a bev napkin, complete with a picture he drew.
Caroline: Lately, the best I’ve heard was over the phone while taking a VIP reservation, “You sound hot, let me take you to dinner, you should look me up on Facebook.”
Nightclub etiquette tip?
Molly: Please and thank you still work at night!
Katelin: Treat people how you would want to be treated at your job. Don't snap/point/whistle. Don't argue with the doorman about dress code. Tip. It’s all pretty basic.
Caroline: If you don't see anyone else smoking or ashtrays on the bar, then it’s pretty safe to assume Bartini's is non-smoking.
Best makeup trick for covering up evidence of a late night?
Molly: MAC select moisture coverup and my Ray-Bans.
Katelin: A little under-eye concealer in a yellow shade.
Caroline: Make a cup of green or white tea, then use the tea bag on puffy eyes.
Something people do in your club that drives you crazy?
Molly: Staff messing up our POS system and it taking me five hours to fix their mistake.
Katelin: A general disrespect for the venue or the staff. Gum on the floor is a tiny example that makes me INSANE!
Caroline: Standing on the furniture, throwing your empty cup/beer bottle on the floor and harassing the DJ to play “that” song for the 10th time this evening.
