Rising Stars: Meet Camille Whitworth Sidney Webb of Downtown New Orleans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Whitworth Sidney Webb

Hi Camille Whitworth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We are Camille Whitworth and Sidney Webb, the owners of Baroness on Baronne and The New Orleans Drinklab. Our journey started with a shared passion for hospitality, creativity, and the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Camille, with her background in media, journalism and business, and Sidney, with his deep expertise in new Orleans culture and the hospitality industry, came together with a vision of bringing unique, high-quality experiences to the city’s nightlife scene.

Baroness on Baronne, our first venture, began as a way to marry our love for craft cocktails and our appreciation for the city’s rich history and architecture. We wanted to create a space that felt both classic and contemporary, with an emphasis on artisanal drinks and a cool atmosphere. The success of Baroness gave us the confidence to take the next step and open The New Orleans Drinklab, a space dedicated to pushing the boundaries of mixology, where we experiment with new techniques, flavors, and presentations to surprise and delight our guests. Mixology classes are held here weekly. It’s a must do if in New Orleans.

Through hard work, dedication, and a deep respect for New Orleans’ culture, we’ve built two places that showcase our love for the craft of bartending and the hospitality industry. We’re grateful for the support of the New Orleans community and are excited for what’s to come.”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Like most entrepreneurial journeys, it hasn’t been entirely smooth, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced has been staff retention. The hospitality industry, especially in a city like New Orleans, can be tough on employees. We’ve worked hard to create a supportive, team-oriented environment with competitive pay and benefits, but finding and keeping the right talent is always a challenge. That said, we’ve built a team that feels like family, and their dedication is what keeps us going.

The pandemic was another major obstacle. Like many businesses, we had to pivot quickly, navigating through a 10-month closure, limited capacity, and the ever-changing regulations. It forced us to rethink our business model, embrace virtual services, and adapt to a new reality. While it was an incredibly tough period, we came out of it more resilient and with a clearer focus on what our customers need.

Finally, with more businesses opening near us, the competition has grown, but we view it as an opportunity. New establishments can help bring more people to the area, and we’ve been able to differentiate ourselves by staying true to our vision: creating exceptional experiences that blend innovation with the spirit of New Orleans. It keeps us on our toes, and we always strive to offer something unique that keeps guests coming back.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

At Baroness on Baronne and The New Orleans Drinklab, our work centers around crafting unforgettable experiences through exceptional cocktails and unique hospitality. We specialize in innovative mixology that blends creativity with the rich traditions of New Orleans. Whether it’s our carefully curated cocktail menu at Baroness, which emphasizes classic techniques and artisanal and local ingredients, or the experimental nature of The New Orleans Drinklab, where we push the boundaries of flavor and presentation, our goal is always to surprise and delight our guests. Our mixology classes are a hit!

We’re most proud of the culture we’ve built. Our venues are known for their warmth and inclusivity, with a strong focus on creating a space where guests feel welcomed and engaged. Our team is at the heart of that experience, and we pride ourselves on offering an environment where both staff and patrons feel like part of something special. It’s not just about serving a drink—it’s about making people feel something when they walk through our doors.

What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation while honoring the traditions of New Orleans. We’re constantly experimenting at The Drinklab, whether it’s developing new cocktail techniques, sourcing rare ingredients, or collaborating with local artists and chefs to offer a multifaceted experience. At Baroness, we merge timeless elegance with modern sensibilities, ensuring that every guest feels like they’re stepping into something uniquely New Orleans. We believe it’s this fusion of the classic and the cutting-edge, combined with a deep respect for our city’s culture, that truly defines us.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?

The incredible support and guidance we’ve received is from a wide circle of mentors, supporters, and teammates. First and foremost, we owe a lot to our team. We’ve been fortunate to work with passionate, talented individuals who truly embody our values and help us elevate the guest experience. Without their dedication and commitment, our businesses wouldn’t be where they are.

We’ve also been lucky to have several mentors who’ve helped guide us through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. From industry veterans to business coaches, their advice has been invaluable. For instance, The United Way of Southern Louisiana has been a steady source of wisdom when it comes to the operational side of the business, offering practical solutions and strategic advice that helped us navigate the challenges of opening and running multiple locations. We’ve learned so much from their experience and have been able to apply that knowledge to make better decisions, especially during tough times like the pandemic.

We also want to recognize the local community and our loyal customers, who have always been our biggest cheerleaders. Their support, whether through word of mouth or simply showing up to enjoy a drink, has been instrumental in building our reputation. We’re incredibly grateful to the New Orleans hospitality community, including local vendors, fellow restaurateurs, and event planners, who’ve always offered their encouragement and collaboration. New Orleans has a special way of lifting each other up, and we’ve truly felt that every step of the way.

We also depend heavily on each other on a daily basis,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Baronessnola.com
• Instagram: Baronessonbaronne
• Facebook: BaronessonBaronne
• Twitter: BaronessonBaronne

Image Credits
Photo cred: Seth Broussard