June 2024 - Cover Story: Sherri Davis of Z-Lounge

The Means., Sherri Davis. Photo Credit: B. Creative Studio

By Teresa Robinson

Sherri Davis says, "Hotel Zazz was zazzing away long before I showed up." Davis, the CFO (Chief Fun Officer), also known professionally as The Means., is making a home in New Mexico and a space for the community at Hotel Zazz and the Z Lounge. While Zazz was already in existence, Davis shared how her presence came into play. "It's a family business run by Sharmin, who took over from her parents a few years ago and gave it an overhaul. I can't speak to her "why," but I believe the best way to gauge someone is to look at their results. Zazz is colorful, positive, and fun. And I'm happy they made room for me."

Since the pandemic, New Mexico has seen the demise of many local businesses, especially restaurants and bars. Those losses have left the state with a loss of spaces and, for some venues, a loss of customer service. Hotel Zazz is on its way to providing the best of both. Davis isn't about to speculate on what's missing but shared that opportunity is what drove her to this point. "I'm hesitant to say anything was missing out of respect for the community that was doing just fine before I showed up in 2021," says Davis. "While I desire to enhance the environment, fitting in has never been a strength of mine; it just happened that I found myself in a position to let the experience define itself. Having observed that most of us only engage with entertainment in the context of performance, I saw an area of opportunity. My grandparents were members of a social club group of five or ten couples who sometimes take trips together. But the majority of their gatherings were in each other's homes. I helped to prepare some of these parties. Menus, music, and bathroom towels - all details arranged to support overall enjoyment. This industry could certainly do more to encourage people's enjoyment of each other with each other - it's what we're trying to do at Z Lounge and Hotel Zazz."

It was a moment of opportunity that Davis was looking for - something that would utilize her talents and give back to the community. All it took was a walk through the door. "The truth is, I just walked in one day," admitted Davis. "I had been following the hotel and the lounge on social media and liked the energy, but I never had an opportunity to visit. Someone I knew saw me pouting outside a job that I was good at but one that was not good for me when he mentioned Z Lounge. I visited the next day, and I'm sure I started the day after that."

Davis admits that creating an inviting environment at Hotel Zazz has left little time to do other things. "I do little outside of Zazz anymore," says Davis. "It's become a lifestyle. I usually ride my bike to or from a thrift store when I'm not working. Or singing or writing songs." While she might do very little outside the hotel, she is getting things done. "I have a new song that will be out toward the end of June and plan to release a music video later this summer. Otherwise, we're always working on something fun at Z Lounge. In my mind, I'm going to organize a day-long music festival in the fall. Quote me on that so I'm held accountable."

Some of the best ideas start with a spark of inspiration. Davis's moments of opportunity will benefit this community for years to come.