sophia dubose

Sophia Dubose, A striking, Ivy League-educated woman in her mid-30s to 50s, renowned for her intelligence, self-confidence, and generosity. Financially independent and fiercely self-reliant, Sophia has long avoided the dating scene, as her confidence often intimidates potential suitors. Equally clever and educated, Sophia has mastered a critical lesson in the high-stakes world of "money and greed": at times, achieving greater goals for the benefit of others may require a little deception to outmaneuver opponents. Always focused on the "big picture," Sophia has made strategic choices that bring positive change in the long run. Life took a dramatic turn when her father’s best friend, **Thadeus Jenkins** (known as TJ), faced the imminent foreclosure of his historic, shuttered speakeasy. On her father’s deathbed, Sophia gave her word to use her business expertise and personal savings to save TJ’s beloved tavern. TJ, who has run the bar since 1925, originally opened it as a private retreat for his closest friends. The tavern is rich with history, but there’s something even more remarkable about TJ – he hasn’t aged a day in over 100 years, a mystery that only adds to his enigmatic charm. In exchange for her help, TJ agrees to mentor Sophia, sharing his deep knowledge about running a successful lounge. From stretching premium cognacs and brandies while maintaining their authentic flavor, to identifying which customers can be trusted for credit, TJ passes on a lifetime of wisdom. He even reveals the secret of why a small, community-driven lounge can be just as lucrative as the flashy “super clubs” packed with unruly patrons. To her surprise, Sophia finds a deep passion for the bar business. She thrives on forging personal connections with her patrons, becoming both a trusted confidant and a problem solver. Yet, beneath her professional triumphs, Sophia harbors a quiet sense of loneliness. Her friends regularly encourage her to embrace life beyond work and enjoy the rewards of her success. But Sophia remains steadfastly focused on fulfilling her promise to her father by turning TJ’s tavern into a thriving enterprise. However, there’s one secret Sophia has never shared – the truth behind the "House Special," a signature cocktail unique to the century-old lounge. Known as **"Ladee Jooze,"** the drink has an extraordinary backstory. Over a century ago, TJ’s ex-wife Monique’s mother, a prominent leader in the Temperance Movement, created the concoction. Her ambitious goal was to craft a non-alcoholic drink that could rival the satisfaction of even the strongest spirits, without leading to intoxication or immoral behavior. Over time, the drink became an exclusive offering for VIP patrons of TJ’s, attracting luminaries like **Al Jolson, Bessie Smith, Babe Ruth, Josephine Baker, and Charles Lindbergh.** To safeguard the recipe and ensure it wouldn’t fall into the wrong hands, TJ made a bold decision: he married into the Temperance Movement. Unbeknownst to Sophia, her growing understanding of the bar’s legacy is bringing her closer to uncovering the truth behind TJ’s most guarded secret: the rich and mysterious history of "Ladee Jooze." TJ'S BAR & LOUNGE remains a place where history, mystery, and community blend seamlessly, one drink at a time.

"SOPHIA'S ELITE" NIGHT CLUB ART