Top of the Morning, May 10, 2024
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Bellying up with ...
Dashae Stegall moved to Champaign three years ago specifically to work at downtown's Axe Bar, and she can't leave it behind even as she starts her career as a hair stylist.
"I saw this as an opportunity to have a cool job and work with some of my best friends. I also thought it was pretty cool that I got to be a part of building this brand by adding some of my own drink recipes to our menu," Stegall said. "So there's a touch of Shae in every Axe Bar in the future."
Stegall has been a bartender for around nine years, but she says the Axe Bar is unlike any of her previous jobs. She gets to meet all kinds of people, from students to business people.
"It's kind of a place that brings all parties together, and that's pretty magical, if I say so myself," she said.
That's great because Stegall says she's a huge people person and loves getting to watch people have a good time.
The best time of year at the bar is the University of Illinois' Moms Weekend, in her opinion.
"No one is more lit than the moms, and they're always so kind," Stegall said. "I always volunteer to work a little extra around that time — those moms crack me up!"
The drink to try at the Axe Bar is a Moscow mule; Stegall says they're the best in town.
Stegall recently graduated beauty school, so if she isn't behind the bar you may be able to get her to style your hair at Shear Excellence in Rantoul.
"I am your local curl specialist who just can't seem to let go of her fun bartending job," Stegall said. "Catch me making people feel beautiful throughout the week and dancing and bartending on the weekends."
