sophia dubose

⦁ Sophia Dubose – A striking, Ivy League-educated woman in her mid-30s to 50s, known for her intelligence, independence, and generosity. Financially secure and fiercely self-reliant, Sophia has steered clear of dating, as many men find her confidence intimidating. Life took an unexpected turn when her father’s best friend, Thadeus Jenkins, faced the imminent foreclosure of his beloved bar. On her father’s deathbed, Sophia made a heartfelt promise to use her business acumen and personal funds to save Thadeus’s historic tavern. Thadeus Jenkins, or TJ, has been running the bar since 1925. Originally a private watering hole for his closest friends, the tavern is steeped in rich history. Oddly enough, TJ has barely aged a day in the last 100 years, a mystery that only adds to his charm. In exchange for her help, TJ agrees to mentor Sophia, teaching her the secrets of operating a successful lounge. From stretching premium cognacs and brandies without altering their flavor, to knowing which customers are trustworthy for credit, TJ passes down decades of wisdom. He even shares the nuances of how a small, neighborhood lounge can be just as profitable as the flashy “super clubs” filled with rowdy, irresponsible patrons. To her surprise, Sophia discovers a true passion for the bar business. She thrives on the personal connections she builds with customers, becoming a trusted confidant and problem solver. Yet, behind her professional success lies a sense of loneliness. Her friends often encourage her to embrace life outside of work and indulge in the rewards of her success, but Sophia remains focused on honoring her promise and turning TJ’s tavern into a thriving enterprise. However, there’s one secret TJ has never shared with Sophia: the story behind the "House Special," a cocktail unique to the century-old lounge. Known as "Ladee Jooze," this drink was created over a century ago by TJ’s ex-wife, Monique’s mother, who was a prominent leader in the Temperance Movement. Her goal was ambitious—to craft a non-alcoholic cocktail that could satisfy even the most avid drinkers without leading to intoxication or immoral behavior. This special drink was reserved for VIP patrons of TJ’s, such as luminaries like Al Jolson, Bessie Smith, Babe Ruth, Josephine Baker, and Charles Lindbergh. To preserve the integrity of the recipe and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, TJ made a pivotal decision: he married into the Temperance Movement. As Sophia continues to implement everything TJ has taught her, she unknowingly inches closer to uncovering the true story behind TJ’s most precious secret: the history of "Ladee Jooze." TJ'S BAR & LOUNGE remains a place where history, mystery, and community come together, one drink at a time.

"SOPHIA'S ELITE" NIGHT CLUB ART