Henrietta Crew
Lisa C
A born and bred New Yorker, Lisa learned the business through her many experiences as a former bartender at the original Cubby Hole, which occupied the space prior to Henrietta Hudson. Due to popular demand from her customers, Lisa decided to purchase the empty space left by the Cubby Hole and through the help of some friends including co-owner Minnie Rivera, brought it back to life. Wanting to choose a name that remained timeless, she decided to feminize the river which is three blocks away and call the bar Henrietta Hudson. Now, as the premier owner of the hottest lesbian bar in New York, Lisa extends her expertise in recognizing the value of having a staff that draws in the crowd.
“Social responsibility is what it’s all about” if you ask Lisa C. who has become quite the philanthropist and community activist. Lisa Cannistraci feels true passion “lies in community activism, grass roots politics and providing a safe and happy environment for the LGBT community.” She is a Member of her local Community Board which allows her to develop and improve the quality of life to LGBT youth in her neighborhood and utilize her “green thumb” to advise on park & recreation renovation projects. She defines her philanthropic activities as being deeply rooted and connected to a community of people who historically had to fight and conquer for their rights as human beings – which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year – and had “to fashion a life out of nothing”, giving each other support with “good grace” and encouragement. Social responsibility has become a lifestyle for Lisa, an integral part of how she views, loves and appreciates the world.
Minnie
Minnie is one of the original partners for Henrietta Hudson and a prominent figure in the lesbian scene since the early 1980’s. Back then, Minnie had started a lesbian tour company called Women On The Move and soon after, she opened up her first lesbian bar called Network on 16th street and 6th Ave. “There was no place for women to go back then,” describes Minnie. Then, in the early 90’s, she hooked up with Lisa C., while she was still a bartender at the Cubby Hole. After a few good conversations and an inexplicable intuition, they went into business together and decided to open up Henrietta Hudson in 1991. She attributes much of the Henrietta success to Lisa C. and her dedication to the bar. “I am so pleased with the crowd,” explains Minnie. “Over the years, you see so many changes that it is wonderful to be a part of what has come together. I still think we are limitless in what we can achieve.”
Desiree
Although she lives “out on the island” now with her lady and extended furry family, desiree will always be a Brooklyn girl at heart. Grab a spot at Desiree’s bar during her famous Friday happy hour (if you can find one that is) and you’ll be sure to leave with a handful of goldfish, a strong drink, and even stronger advice. With the best buns in the business, she’s been there thru all of Henrietta’s transformations and has seen it all – so, don’t mess with Des unless youre looking for some serious words of wisdom and a reality check. Outside of the bar, though, Desiree lends her strong spirit towards helping stray animals by placing them in her care and nurturing them to full health. Des seeks happy homes when placing them back up for adoption. To find out more about how you can become involved in desiree’s animal rescue efforts or if you are interested in becoming an adoptee, you can reach des by email at des541@yahoo.comor stop by Friday afternoon or Saturday evening.
Lisa G aka dj GEE
MIX MASTER GEE!
[MIX]– The drinks .. & the Music!
[MASTER]– Well.. she is the boss.. and does the annual fetish party ring a bell?? lol
Anyway, the multi talented, Lisa G. has made her bartending abilities the standard for all the up and coming rookies. Known for her legendary skills in the back bar, she keeps the cosmos flying and the shot towers buliding. Known for her quick wit and self-proclaimed charm, be careful to ask her for love advice – she will tell it like it is and mostly likely, you won’t want to hear the hard core truth. Lisa G. has been rockin the DJ booth Saturday nights since before many of you were a legal 21. Always playing the pop beats on Saturday- you will never miss a good time as she & MC Cee Cee tag team the bar spirit! Lisa G. aka dj gee also is gee photos bringing you over a decade of Henrietta faces on flyers, emails, bulletins & posters. Does she ever have any free time– not really but when she does.. it’s upstate, Coney Island or a planned vaca overseas!
You will also want to check out Lisa’s awesome array of photography on her site www.gphotos.com. Lisa is actively promoting herself & Henrietta’s on Facebook, Myspace & Twitter!
Dot
“Where’s Dot?” Alright, so she’s not the most punctual lesbian in the new gay world, but she always makes it up with her loving charm, bright smiles and beaming blond mohawk. If you’re really lucky, she may even cook for you! It’s never a real party until Dot rolls up! Known for her front door greeting, decorating direction & jello shot skills, you’ll find her working the front door on Friday night, bartending Wednesday night and transforming Henrietta’s right before every major holiday. Veteran of the scene, many of you know her from Crazy Nanny’s and LoverGirl NYC. “What? $40 dollas ??!!!” Well, thats just another great trademark you’ll have to come in to find out about.
Kim aka dj KIM DAZY
Resident DJ Kim Dazy is nationally known for her hot house and hip hop beats. She’s won BEST HOUSE DJ year after year and co-hosts the award winning house party REVOLUTION bi-monthly. This DJ rarely takes requests so don’t try asking for any La India, but you’ll definitely stand a better chance with some Lady Gaga. Kim also bartends Tuesday Karaoke, Thursday afternoons and Saturday nights with Des. You may have heard her spin her skills at past Gay Disney’s, P-TOWN Memorial Wknd, and every Gay PRIDE PIER PRESSURE party. After a few heinekens and cherry bombs, you’ll be in tummy-aching giggles with her silly jokes and infectious laughter.
Sharon
If you want a drink, you better order it right the first time when you patron this feisty Colombian’s bar. Catch her in the right song at the right time though, and she might challenge you to a vogue off. Decipher through the accent and learn to speak the Sharito language of affectionate name-calling and overly aggressive hugs and opinions, and you just might find yourself a great new friend. You can find Sharon shaking it up every Friday and Saturday night. “I’m the best, I know. You love it, am I right?”
Lina
This Colombian cutie really knows how to put a little heat into the Henrietta household. She started as a cocktail waitress after her “legalizing” birthday in June – yes a Gemini. Do not be intimidated by her ultra feminine looks, although it is those femmie looking butches that you have to watch out for. Proceed with caution though, as this is Lisa G & Sharon’s little sister!!!!
Jacaria
School teacher by day Henrietta girl by night, Jacaria is always working when she should be drinking AND drinking when she should be working. She’ll never turn down a chilled shot of DON JULIO! Jacaria usually is seen in one of her cute baby t’s and if you’re lucky you’ll catch her giving away free shots on the bar. Confirmed shopaholic and flirt, you can always catch her talking about her latest collection of t-shirts, dvds, and girls’ phone numbers.
Itty Bitty
A few years ago, Itty was sitting in the back bar with a Kamikaze in hand every Friday night with Lisa G. Little did she know, you can’t hang with Lisa G on a regular basis and not get involved in some sort of Henrietta behind the scenes. Customer turned staff member, she can now be seen monkeying around (literally) and working hard, whether its weaving in between the crowd unseen, climbing the bar for bottles, hanging off the cage, or popping out of ceiling cabinets. She is the smallest on staff but carries one of the biggest hearts for the job. When she’s not bartending on Monday’s PLAY nights, barbacking Friday, and waitressing Saturdays, Itty enjoys spending time with the crazy Hens fam and applies her creative skills to various writing, film and art projects. Watch out for her work in theaters near you in the near future!
Liz
Yet another Henrietta Colombiana, this luscious lady oozes sexy sass no matter what she’s doing- pouring shots on the bar, waitressing through the crowd, or dancing with friends and patrons. It’s easy to be intimidated by her sizzling beauty and charismatic energy, but this humble soul is one of the friendliest chicas on staff and is always down for a shot, dance or conversation.
Sandra aka dj CULI
A Colombian queen that will keep you steppin every Wednesday & Thursday night. Specializing in the hottest beats south of the border, Culi (Cool-e), as her friends call her for her bodacious behind, will keep your hips moving and your body grooving. Her sounds will make you so hot you’ll be wanting to come back every week for “Tocame” noche de Latina, winner for Best Latin Dance Music, and “girlMEETSgirl” Thursdays. When Culi spins, you’ll always hear the best of the best in salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton and rock en espanol. Hasta pronto! You can also catch her shakin’ skills, bartending Cream Rinse every Sunday night
Majik
A true southerner from North Carolina, bringing her southern charm and hospitality to Henrietta’s. Known as net by day and Majik by night, you can catch her southern swagger in action working the front door on Saturday nights greeting and welcoming women with a smile that can light up a room. She’ll make you feel at home before you even step foot into Henrietta’s. Newly engaged, you will often find Majik enjoying the Henrietta spirit & spirits w/ fiance Dawn. They love their jager bombs, cherry bombs & car bombs- if Captain Morgan only had a bomb! These two also tag team the Henrietta myspace community with all the latest info, gossip & photos!
Lexa
Henrietta’s latest addi©tion, super star Lexa is always turning heads, shaking drinks, and selling shots. With the sweetest soul behind a beautiful face and sexy bod, she is an upstate transplant and transformed city girl. Don’t get it twisted now, she may wear perfume and makeup, but this girl has a hell of a throwing arm and can out-butch the best of you. She’s got her mind on her money and money on her mind- with her voracious appetite for great success, she’ll surely be taking over NYC soon!
Tameka
“Oh, E(at) honey E(at)” is Tameka’s notorious supporting advice for all you girls out there looking to hook-up. Handy woman by day and Henrietta’s bartender & barback by night, you can catch her sweeping every spot of the floor and street within site and making delicious mojitos every Saturday afternoon. If you make it til 4am with Tameka, you will be lucky enough to listen in to one of her wake up MOM calls- absolutely hysterical in the wee early morning hours! Don’t forget to make your mark in her infamous book in the making: What I Want In A Girl – a Collection of Lists.
Michelle
One of our newest staff additions, Michelle moved up the block and across Hudson street to join our crew as door person and barback. Resident Show Tune junkie, Michelle also rocks the mic Tuesday nights hosting Karaoke @ Henrietta’s. She’s quickly become a jack-of-all-trades at Henrietta’s and can be seen at any time with a Heineken Light in hand while doing Chippendale moves on the dance floor or at the door!
Maria
I’ve never done this before” Yeah, that’s what she said a little over a year ago. Once upon a time, Maria was a shy and timid straight girl. You can now find her ripping it up by the DJ booth in a breasty Hens beater and a pair of converse with her watiress tray tossed aside. Single and always ready to mingle, make sure you cum correct – with a vodka and tonic in hand that is! Don’t get it twisted though, you don’t have to hit on her to get to know her. Maria is one of the friendliest new staff members and can add a little extra sunshine to anyone’s day with just a smile. Paralegal by day and waitress by night, she believes that ” when you realize your destiny, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it.” Yes, that applies to both law and girls.
Celia
Celia began her Henrietta fun 3 years ago as “the shusher” lol. We are located in a landmark West Village neighborhood so we like to keep everyone as respectable volumes outside. Celia is a teacher – if you hang with her intellectually past 4am – you will understand why. She was also president of the “Kim Dazy” fan club, not sure who holds that title now, LOL. Celia entertains fellow staff with her incessant silliness, dance moves and laughter. If she’s had one too many, you may get a glimpse of more than just her smile & dimples! Her interests include softball, going to the beach, movies, dancing, painting and Nintendo WII. Celia is currently working on a children’s book! Go girl!!
Gillian aka dj SANDMAN
Easily found by her red mohawk, Gillian aka DJ Sandman, can be seen spinning you round with the best music out there, or bustin’ out the robot on the dancefloor. A lover of all things music, if she isn’t belting out the lyrics to any song she hears, she’s in the studio producing her own tracks and finding the best new music to perk up your ears. You can catch her when she and DJ Kim Dazy throw the GO award winning House party, “Revolution” every other month @ Hens. You can also check out her weekly internet radio show ‘Revolution’ with DJ Sandman, Saturdays at Midnight on electricfm.com along with various gigs all around the tri-state area. To hear her new tracks and find out where sahe’ll be next, go to myspace.com./sandmandj.
Vinny
Throwback from the past, veteran lesbian and party circuiteer, Vinny, started working in the scene with Henrietta’s very own Minnie and has come back full circle managing the behind the scenes. She is the liquor King, keeping the liquor organized, and ensuring that your favorite drinks are always available. Vinny is always more than happy to stop what she’s doing to assist you in joining the Henrietta email list & update you on the lesbian events. This charming Italian is sometimes found capturing patrons with her ongoing smile & talk!
