The future is yours to create: Vandena Yanarta

Vandena is the Bar Manager of Club Soda Canggu and a proud Balinese native whose passion for hospitality was sparked by the film Cocktail. Known for his warmth, creativity, and deep respect for nature, he brings soulful storytelling and environmental consciousness into his work behind the bar. His journey reflects a blend of island spirit, heartfelt connection, and a drive to inspire through both drink and dialogue.

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m Vandena, Bar Manager of Club Soda Canggu. I was born and raised where the sun kisses the ocean and the breeze tells stories. I come from a beautiful island that taught me the value of culture, peace, and staying connected to nature. And yes, it’s Bali. The first time I got involved in the drinks industry, this may sound like a movie cliché, but it’s true, it was because I watched the film Cocktail starring Tom Cruise. That movie made island life and bartending look so vibrant and exciting, I knew I had to try it. I didn’t expect it to lead me here, but I’m glad it did.

My favorite part about the job is getting to know strangers and turning them into friends. Behind the bar, you’re in this magical position where people open up. One moment you’re serving a drink, the next you’re listening to someone’s story. That human connection is everything.

“Behind the bar, you’re in this magical position where people open up. One moment you’re serving a drink, the next you’re listening to someone’s story. That human connection is everything.”

What makes me happiest, both in my role and as an individual, is the sense of family. A good team and true friendships mean the world to me. Whether we’re learning together, sharing hobbies, or just hanging out after work, it all makes this job more meaningful.

What drives me as a person is a mix of passion and purpose. Passion keeps me focused and committed, while achievement gives me something to chase. But it also comes down to how I see myself. I want my actions to reflect who I am, someone who cares, who tries, who stands for something.

How I approach my work

The most helpful advice I’ve ever received was from Daniel Gerves. I can’t remember his exact words, but the message stuck with me: stay true to yourself, know your goals, always do more than what’s expected, and don’t chase money, work hard and believe that one day, money will chase you. It’s a mindset I’ve carried with me ever since.

To feel like I’m progressing professionally, I need more than just titles or achievements. Of course, education, competitions, and travel all matter, but it’s the mindset of constantly seeking out growth that really moves me. I like diving into projects that challenge me, growing my network, and building skills like communication and adaptability, things that help in and out of the bar.

What motivates me at work isn’t loud praise, it’s consistent support. My mentor, Raka from The Night Rooster, never directly tells me I’m doing great, but he’s always there for me. He’s humble, even though he’s such a respected figure in Bali’s bar scene. His quiet encouragement means a lot.

I believe brands play an important role in our industry. They support growth not just through products, but by investing in people. Strong brands help create loyalty, improve marketing, and even attract talent. They can be powerful partners in elevating the bar world, if they focus on the humans behind it all.

My experience in Campari Red Hands 2024

Representing my country on an international stage like Campari Red Hands was a deep honor. It wasn’t just about me,it was about showcasing my culture and identity with pride. It gave me the opportunity to share a part of Bali with the world while building relationships with bartenders from different countries.

The energy in Milan absolutely influenced my mindset and performance. The bar scene there was full of mutual respect and appreciation. My mentor, Alessandro from Rita’s Tiki Room, gave me the space to express myself however I wanted. But when I got on that final stage and saw all the amazing people in the room, I started to feel overwhelmed. I lost some confidence, but it was a real moment, and I learned from it.

The biggest challenge I faced came even before I left Indonesia. My dad passed away just one day before my flight to Milan. I didn’t bring anything prepared for the final. So I arrived there with grief, pressure, and zero prep, but I also brought heart. I just did my best with what I had.

The inspiration behind my competition cocktail was the forest. I’ve always felt a deep connection to nature, and I wanted to reflect that through flavor, sound, and emotion. I worked with a DJ named Angga and used biofeedback technology to capture the frequencies of plants, turning them into sound. In Bali, we’re facing serious environmental issues, so I wanted this drink to be more than delicious, I wanted it to be a call to protect what we still have.

“I worked with a DJ named Angga and used biofeedback technology to capture the frequencies of plants, turning them into sound. In Bali, we’re facing serious environmental issues, so I wanted this drink to be more than delicious, I wanted it to be a call to protect what we still have.”

In terms of bringing my local bar culture to the final presentation, I didn’t showcase traditional techniques, but I did try to highlight some of our local ingredients. I wanted the judges to know that our fruits are amazing too, and they deserve a spotlight.

From the other finalists, I learned so much, especially about confidence. They carried themselves with grace and clarity. More than that, I learned that competition isn’t really about winning. It’s about being a good listener, a good speaker, and building connections. I made friends who I know I’ll stay in touch with for a long time.

Looking back on my Red Hands experience, I’m proud that I made it to the top 5. I was dealing with personal loss, no preparation, and stage fright, but I still stood there, gave it my all, and held space with some of the most incredible bartenders in the region.

My advice to next year’s finalists is simple: always be yourself. Confidence is powerful, but don’t let it tip into arrogance. Be kind, build friendships, and remember, connections are what truly matter in this industry. Being a winner is just a bonus. And please, don’t forget your genuine smile.

This competition has definitely changed how I see myself as a bartender. I’ve started thinking beyond the drink. Now, I want my cocktails to not only taste good, but also do good, for the environment, for the community, and for the people who experience them.

What’s next for me? You’ll have to wait and see! But stay tuned, there’s more to come.