When I step into Rhumba Restaurant and Bar, I’m greeted by the rhythmic hum of Latin music, the rich aroma of flavorful dishes and the sight of Elier Alberto behind the bar. He’s focused and intent on mixing up a signature cocktail, the Embrujada—which fittingly means “bewitched.” Watching him work, it’s clear that the name reflects his feelings for his wife, Jessica, who is sitting on the opposite side of the bar watching him. Elier’s adoration is evident in the way his eyes light up as he is talking to her, the love of his life and his partner in everything.
As I grab a seat at the bar and talk with them and ask them what it’s like to work with your spouse, Elier tells me that when he first met Jessica, he was working behind a bar, but he always knew he wanted to be on the other side—running a business with her by his side. Fast forward 12 years into their marriage, and that dream has come to life in not one but two thriving ventures: Fashion House, a chic men and women’s boutique, and Rhumba Restaurant and Bar, a vibrant gathering place infused with their culture and passion for cuisine, cocktails and cigars.
The camaraderie between these two is palpable. When I ask Jessica how it feels to work with her spouse, her answer is immediate and heartfelt. “To us, working together, doing what we love with who we love is amazing. We are a team, and we feed off each other’s strengths, pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves every single day.”
Jessica and Elier moved to Aiken with a vision to share their culture through their love for delicious food, vibrant drinks, and even cigars with the community. Their businesses are an extension of their personalities—warm, welcoming and full of life. They attribute their success to communication and allowing each other to shine in their respective areas of expertise.
“Our marriage and businesses are partnerships,” Elier explains. “In both, there are ups and downs, but when you work together as a team, you know you’ll get through it. From the start, we made a pact–you don’t quit, whether it’s in your marriage or your business.”
The bond they share is undeniable. Even amid the bustling restaurant comings and goings, I watch them make time for each other, often pausing to dance to one of their favorite songs. Elier has a playlist ready for these moments, and the two glide across the restaurant floor with effortless grace. Their love is woven by invisible strands guiding their every step, and their joy is positively contagious.
Jessica’s background in fashion and Elier’s expertise in hospitality complement each other perfectly. At Fashion House, Jessica curates stylish pieces that reflect her keen eye for design and her commitment to making clients feel confident. Meanwhile, Elier brings his passion for mixology and authentic cuisine to Rhumba, creating a dining experience that feels like a celebration of life.
Together, they’ve built a life and legacy grounded in love, resilience and shared purpose. Their story paints a picture showcasing the power of partnership—both in marriage and in business. As I watch them laughing and dancing under the soft glow of the restaurant’s lights, it’s clear that they’ve found the perfect rhythm, one that blends their dreams, culture and devotion into something truly magical.
Jessica and Elier’s journey serves as an inspiration to anyone balancing love and work. Their secret? Never stop supporting each other, communicate openly and remember to pause and enjoy the dance—both literally and figuratively. Their story is proof that when love and passion combine, the results can be extraordinary.