Get to Know the Staff: Sierra from Smashboxx and Dollhouse

by: Amanda Savage

“Get to Know the Staff” is back this week with, Sierra Claudio, the office manager and bartender at Smashboxx and Dollhouse. Meet the people who make the famous nightlife scene of Scottsdale possible.
Job Title: Bartender/ Office Manager of Smashboxx and Dollhouse.
Nicknames: Lil Mama/ Cradle Robber. 

AFM: How long have you worked for Smashboxx?

Sierra: I’ve worked at Smashboxx for almost 2 years.
AFM: What’s your story? How did you get your start in the night life industry? What steps in your life took you from the beginning to the point you’re at now? What other places have you worked at?

Sierra: I have been in the industry for 10 years. When I was 21, I was drinking at a little college bar called Fumbles in Tempe and noticed that they only had guy bartenders.  So I went up to the manager at the time, and told him that even though I had no experience, if he hired me I could make him more money.  So he hired me. This was where I met GR Boone, (who is now my boss at Smashboxx). I worked at several different bars, and after college, I continued bartending while I worked as the casting director for Tempe12.  Then about two years ago, I accepted the job as office manager at Smashboxx and Dollhouse (where I continue to bartend once or twice a week). Other places I’ve bartended at are Mill Cue Club, Suede, Dirty Pretty, Pussycat Lounge, and American Junkie. 

AFM: What makes you great at what you do? What sets you apart from other people that have the same job as you?

Sierra: I know how to give good customer service! (and for the a holes, I’;m great at biting my tongue)  Also, I am all about the quality: I make good drinks/ shots and can tell you when you need to drink a water.  I also know how to get a good tip without flirting with the customer or giving them my number (so to the female customers: we aren’t all trying to hit on your boyfriends lol) I can bartend till 4 a.m. and still be up at 8 a.m. for my day job.

AFM: What kind of unique style do you specifically bring Smashboxx?

Sierra: I’m a hustler… I can be sassy but in a good way!  Also, a lot of customers think Im younger than I really am, which is a plus because I actually have more experience.

AFM: Why should customers want you as their bartender? 

Sierra: I am there to make you have a good time!  I like to give free shots to nice customers and I have a good memory so I can usually remember what you’re drinking when you come back for your second round.  Also, I have big boobs haha.

AFM: What do you love most about your job?

Sierra: Cash money.

AFM: What do you like least?

Sierra: Girls that expect free drinks and BAD TIPPERS!

AFM: In this industry it’s a given that you get hit on. What’s the weirdest way anyone has ever tried to get your number or pick you up?

Sierra: I had a guy who kept asking for my number and I politely kept saying no (we gotta give a little respect to guys for having the courage to do it) He told me after I watched his “dance moves” that I would change my mind…. he started dancing then proceeded to puke all over himself.

AFM: What are you doing in your free time?

Sierra: I run the office for both Smashboxx and Dollhouse (I manage the office, do all of the accounting, write everyone’s checks) I also do all of the DJ logistics (contract and payment, Transportation/ Hotel booking)  What is free time? lol   My boyfriend is also in the industry and even busier than I am, so if we have free time we usually stay in, get takeout and watch a movie.

AFM: What are some of your favorite local spots to hang out at? 

Sierra: Obviously Smashboxx 😉  But my top favorites are American Junkie, El Hefe, and of course Firehouse Scottsdale and Firehouse in Tempe.

AFM: What’s your favorite music of the moment? 

Sierra: Hip-hop.

AFM: It’s your day off, you have to work tomorrow and money isn’t an object. What are you doing? 

Sierra: Sleeping! Or what I like to call going on a “staycation”  Its hard to take time off to go out of town so we go to a resort/ hotel somewhere in Az for a night just to get away.

Follow Amanda on Twitter @Amanda_Savage