Previously, Richards worked as the Specialty Room Bartender at Fiamma Trattoria at the MGM Grand, then moved on to BOA Steakhouse before joining Wynn. Prior to relocating to Las Vegas, Richards worked at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, first in the Banquet Department and later as the property’s Bartender.
Richards’ love for mixology grew out of an early interest in the culinary arts. Growing up in Vancouver, Canada, she took a strong interest in cooking at an early age. Richards worked her way through a variety of restaurant kitchens, but longed for the front-of-house guest interaction.
Richards embraces the evolving world of mixology by staying abreast of the latest trends and ingredients. Her drive for learning and experimenting with flavors has led her to receive accolades that include a silver medal in the 2006 Bacardi Martini Grand Prix in Torino, Italy, third place in the 2006 Canada and United States Tabasco Sauce “Hottest Bartender” competition and second place in the Travel + Leisure Beverage Arts Challenge. Additionally, Richards received the 2008 Cheers Magazine Rising Star Award and in 2009, was named one of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Hotel Bartenders.” That same year, Richards won the “Iron Bar Chef” competition hosted by Santé Magazine, where six of the country’s top mixology professionals compete against one another to create the best cocktails.