Leaving Las Vegas

After two years, 222 blogs and hosting four events, with a heavy heart this will be my last blog written as Agent 21 with SPYONvegas.com. I am leaving Las Vegas for Seattle, as I was presented with a great opportunity that was too hard to pass up. The six years I’ve lived in Las Vegas has been the most unforgettable experience that I have been so fortunate to have.

The city has changed so much since the first day I moved here. I came here with no plan other knowing I wanted to bartend in a nightclub. If I someone would’ve told me I would’ve ended up at a “spy” for the Vegas nightlife scene, I wouldn’t have believed it. I came to Vegas to find myself and what I wanted out of life and as much as the city can be struggle, it has made me stronger and I have learned so much. I was lucky to find an amazing job, lifelong friends and earn respect in the city.

I often get asked how I managed to make it in the city. Las Vegas gives you to options. You can either make it or break it. Some fall to the temptations of the nightlife or get frustrated and give up. Some learn from it, getting ahead in a short time. When I first moved, I couldn’t find a job in nightlife to save my life. I was either overqualified or didn’t have Vegas experience. After two months of endless casting calls, interviews and a lot of rejection, I decided to work at a local Olive Garden, but I never gave up. Persistence is key in getting a job and never stop until you get what you want. After going out five nights a week and networking like a boss, I landed my first nightlife job at Mist Lounge at Treasure Island. I sat in the Light Group office for an hour and 45 minutes until they would interview me. That was after weeks of constant phone calls, e-mails, and approaching the director every time I saw him. I worked for them for two years, bouncing from Mist, Caramel and Jet Nightclub. Crazy to think not one of those properties still exist.

I left Vegas for a year after that, swearing I would never be back but as fate would have it I found my way back. I bartended at Spearmint Rhino, moved to open Encore Beach Club and Surrender, and finished up my bartending career at XS and Tryst. I got into WENDOH Media by interning. I tried to come in every day to prove myself, and created this blog, The Best Man, and was offered a full-time position.  I always respected the nightlife industry, never being demanding or acting like a diva. (Well, maybe on rare occasions.) I followed the golden rule with everyone I met: You never know who are you talking to. I always stood my ground and never showed fear when talking to a top executive. Most importantly, I was always myself. I made sure to never burn a bridge or lie to get what I want.

Despite what most think, it is really the only way to get what you want out of the city. It’s not going to happen overnight. Sure there are other ways to get ahead, but a lot of times those ways won’t allow you last that long. Reputation is key. Be who you want to be, not what others expect from you and you can have whatever you like.

I want to thank all of my readers and supporters. You are what makes me passionate about writing and keeps me engaged. As I am leaving, it doesn’t mean I won’t be back. Vegas will always be a home to me, and you never know how life is going to work out. I will be writing in my new city so you can subscribe to me on Facebook for updates. I will also be having a going away bash this Saturday at gbdc.

You can take the girl out of Las Vegas, but you can take Las Vegas out of the girl.

-Charity Mainville (a.k.a Agent 21 @ SPYONvegas.com)