Last summer, after several years of operating mobile pop-up bar Pour Decisions STL, Javia Gilliam-Sanford and Kaje Sanford opened a downtown brick-and-mortar business with a travel-inspired theme: The Passport Cocktail Bar & Bottle Shop (1321 Washington). The new concept serves up cocktails inspired by the co-owners’ travels. A talented mixologist, Gilliam-Sanford is a certified sommelier who recently spoke at a national conference about women-owned wine and spirit brands. Gilliam-Sanford shared with SLM about her journey to this point, trends to watch, and the decision to open a business in downtown St. Louis.
What initially drew you to the cocktail and spirits industry? My parents were always hosting or attending gatherings with friends, so from a young age, I associated spirits with community and celebration. As I got older, I distinctly remember an unspoken rule: If you’re going to drink, drink well. I always joke that my first introduction to gin was Hendrick’s, but it’s true! My first industry role was as a wine bar taster at Total Wine & More, which became my launchpad into the world of spirits. Back then, the structure was different; every staff member had to taste and be knowledgeable about products on sale and in promotion. That experience taught me a lot and set the foundation for my journey in the industry.
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Were there any pivotal moments that made you realize you wanted to run your own place? The disappearing third spaces in St. Louis. I always said I’d never open a brick-and-mortar, but with so many bars and restaurants closing at an alarming rate, it felt necessary. These spaces aren’t just businesses—they’re the heartbeat of a city, where communities connect and take pride in their home.
How did your early industry experiences prepare you for Pour Decisions STL and The Passport? The wine counter taught me patience and the power of education—how guiding guests through their choices builds lasting connections. Pour Decisions revealed the grit behind the bar industry and the art of crafting cocktails that resonate with a diverse crowd while staying true to the passion that started it all. It also reinforced the importance of creating a brand that locals take pride in, one that represents their city with excellence. The Passport is more than just a bar—it’s a destination, a place where people discover new spirits and varietals, where education and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the spot that locals recommend when friends visit, a space that reflects our love for travel and cocktails, seamlessly blending the two into an unforgettable experience. Instead of opening just another bar, we built one that tells a story—and we’re going to stick to that model.
What inspired you to open a bar in downtown St. Louis? When I was approached with the opportunity, it sparked a conversation. After talking to family and friends, it became clear: A permanent home for us was exactly what we—and St. Louis—wanted. My mom was born and raised on the North Side, my mother-in-law is from Pruitt-Igoe, and 90 percent of the business that we receive at Pour Decisions STL comes from the downtown community. Our roots in this city run deep, and we believe in its future. Downtown deserves to thrive again, and we’re ready to be part of its resurgence.
The cocktail and spirits industry has historically been male-dominated. Have you seen meaningful progress for women since you started? Honestly, I haven’t seen it in St. Louis as much as I’d like. My mentors, support systems, and the community that’s truly uplifted me have been outside the city. But in those spaces, the women are absolutely thriving—and it’s inspiring to witness.
Do you think women bring a unique perspective or approach to mixology, spirits production, and hospitality? Absolutely! First off, our palates are naturally more attuned to complex flavors than men’s, allowing us to pick up subtle nuances with ease. As the primary cooks and recipe keepers in many households, we have an innate understanding of balance—something that translates beautifully into the world of wine and spirits. Beyond that, we’re phenomenal storytellers. So many of my clients have fallen in love with a brand not just because of the taste but because of the story behind it. My controversial opinion: If women hadn’t been made to feel like outsiders in the wine and spirits industry, we would have dominated it long ago.
Now that you own a bar, do you find yourself mentoring others, especially women? I regularly host tastings that take me from behind the bar and put me face-to-face with guests, creating space for meaningful teaching moments and questions. It’s humbling to realize how many people are paying attention to my journey. I love it and I’m grateful to be a resource for those who are ready to follow a similar path.
Have you noticed any recent cocktail trends or shifts in guests’ preferences? I’m definitely tuned into global trends—they’re the most exciting to me because we often experience them in Spain or Italy a year or so before they make their way here. Of course, by the time they arrive, the execution tends to be a bit different. At The Passport, we love introducing these trends. For example, we were one of the first to serve caviar-stuffed olives in our martinis, with a pour-over. It’s not just about following trends for us; it’s about infusing our travel experiences into the offerings we create.
