Hi, I'm Destynee, the founder of Grace & Garnish.

I'm a proud Tampa native and a graduate of the University of South Florida, where I earned my degree in Hospitality Management. Hospitality has always felt like home to me. Throughout college—and for several years after—I worked in the bar industry, where I fell in love with the fast pace, the creativity, and, most importantly, the people.

As life evolved, so did my career. I stepped away from hospitality and into the tech industry, where I had the opportunity to grow professionally in a completely different way. But after a few years, I realized something was missing. I missed the energy behind the bar, the creativity of crafting drinks, and the genuine connections that come from serving people face-to-face.

Then came one of the biggest chapters of my life: becoming a mom.

During my pregnancy with my daughter, I clearly wasn't drinking, but I realized I missed more than just alcohol. I missed the crisp bitterness of a cold beer after a long day. I missed sitting on a patio with friends, sipping a refreshing margarita in the Florida sunshine. I missed the experience of having a drink that felt intentional and thoughtfully made.

Instead, most alcohol-free options felt like an afterthought—overly sweet juice blends or plain soda served in the same cup.

After my daughter was born, I finally had the chance to enjoy a drink again. And then came the moment that completely changed my perspective.

Parenting with a hangover isn't for the weak.

It was one of those moments that made me laugh because it was so true.

I loved waking up feeling rested. I loved having the energy to chase after a toddler, tackle everything on my to-do list, and be fully present with my family. I realized I didn't actually miss alcohol as much as I missed the ritual—the beautiful glassware, the handcrafted flavors, the feeling of celebrating, and sharing a drink with the people I love.

That's when I started asking myself...

Why can't we have both?

Why can't a drink be elevated, beautiful, and exciting without alcohol?

Why should the designated driver, the expecting mom, the person in recovery, someone choosing wellness, or someone whose faith leads them away from alcohol have to settle for water or a sugary juice?

That question became Grace & Garnish.

Grace & Garnish was created to bring an elevated, thoughtfully curated beverage experience to everyone at the celebration—not just those who drink alcohol.

Today, we serve handcrafted spirit-free cocktails, wellness refreshers, and loaded sodas throughout the Tampa Bay area for weddings, showers, corporate events, markets, and private celebrations.

Our goal isn't to replace alcohol or tell anyone what they should or shouldn't drink. We simply believe every guest deserves something special in their hand.

Because celebration has never been about alcohol.

It's about connection. It's about being present. It's about creating memories you'll actually remember.

Whether you're choosing not to drink for faith, recovery, wellness, or simply because you want to feel your best tomorrow, you deserve a drink that's every bit as beautiful, intentional, and memorable as the occasion itself.