Venue Of Employment: Drais AfterHours
Job Title: VIP Host
IG: @Parris.S24
If not originally from Las Vegas, where did you move here from?
I moved here from Chicago in October
How did you start working in the nightlife or hospitality industry? Give a brief work history / background.
Well I transferred from Chicago while working in a casino as a floor supervisor for table games. Given that I moved alone with no family or friends present I figured I needed a job to better strengthen my network. This was the perfect type of job for that. So here I am
Now that you are working in the industry, what is different about your lifestyle?
EVERYTHING lol, I don’t believe I was in a club all of 2 times in 2017 and then March of 2018 rolls around and I’m in the clubs 6 times a week at the very least
What does a typical day at work look like for you and what is your “normal” schedule?
A typical day at work for me is just a whole lot of networking. Whether it’s reconnecting with familiar Host and faces at the clubs every night or just making new connections with guest at the clubs and on the strip. All until I make it to the operations portion of the night in which I run the Guest list/GA line with Steven at AHs.
How long does it take you to get ready for work?
It doesn’t take me too long actually. I like to get ready at a slow pace so I tend to start about an hour n half before my shift however I can get ready fairly quick. It really just depends if I have my shirt pre ironed or not lol
How many nights a week do you go out (to a club)?
I spend at least 6 nights a week at the club lol. And that lonely 7th night I’m still at some sort of bar or lounge such as BM just enjoying myself
Who is your favorite DJ/performer in the Las Vegas market right now?
I don’t have a favorite favorite but I have grown fond of Marshmello simply because I never knew too much about him when I moved here. And watching him DJ is always entertaining. But naturally I bleed hip hop so any Hip Hop DJ that’s keeping the crowd alive gets the OKAY from me lol
What is your drink (alcoholic) of choice?
HENNNNNNNNY lol
I’m simple. Cognac. Dussé or Henny. Throw a Red Bull in there and I’m set for the night
What is your secret cure to a hangover?
I drink cognac to avoid a hangover lol. That’s my secret
What was the longest timeframe you have stayed awake? When and why?
I’m not really sure. Most the time if I stay up with zero sleep it’s because I go out the night before I have to catch a flight.. so I stay up. Drink my problems away and hit the airport bright and early. I don’t sleep on planes so I stay up through the flight and on my way to whatever destination lol
What do you enjoy most about working in the nightlife or hospitality industry in Las Vegas?
Id say I enjoy the people I’ve been meeting. I don’t know how long this run goes for. I have no idea how long nightlife caters to my circumstances but I do know I won’t lose any of the relationships/connections that I have made since I started this. From meeting host, to guest, to the security agents and promoters. All of the bussers DJs and some artist even. Can’t forget the beautiful Cocktail Servers/Bottle Girls of course.. my favorite part is creating the most genuine relationships I can with this people
What is your least favorite part about working in the nightlife or hospitality industry in Las Vegas?
My least favorite part would have to be….. hmm.. not being able to enjoy my time with friends and family that comes to visit. People come to town and want to party with me and have drinks and fun. Mind you I pretty much get paid to do that but it’s not the same as being able to be with your group of friends all night just drinking and enjoying life. Duty calls so I get to work
If you were not working in nightlife or hospitality, what would you be doing?
I would probably be in still working in the casino. Working on music part time and attempting to get a marketing positions with the Las Vegas Raiders when they finally make their move here
Do you have a mentor in the industry? If so, who? If not, who would you like to be mentored by?
I stay pretty close to home as far as mentors go. So I’d say Dre fo sho. Dre.R
The guys everyone out here knows. I go to him for 80% of my questions and concerns out here and he’s been more than helpful as a mentor and homie so S/Onto him. And Eric H has helped me loads as well.
Craziest or most memorable experience working in the nightlife or hospitality industry in Las Vegas?
Where do I start lol.. actually I don’t think I’ve had too many crazy experiences just yet. It’s only been 4 solid months for me and I’ve been in grind mode. When we do have our outings and everyone gets a bit of liquid courage in their system it always makes for an interesting night . I won’t say too much more about that tho