Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella May.
Hi Bella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Ft Lauderdale native. I got started in the restaurant industry at the early age of 14. By the time I was 18 I was a volume bartender. Over the last 24 years I have bartended in every atmosphere from fine dining, dive bars, hotels, concerts and sporting events, you name it. About 10 years ago I was doing a ton of guest bartending spots. I had quite the following of customers and quite the social media following. I was constantly being asked by friends/customers to bartend their private events as well as being tagged in post of people looking for bartenders for their events. I took a step back and said HEY! I can actually do something with this! So, I got social media involved and got all my friends and followers invested in my journey. I started a contest to win a bar package and was able to raise $5,000 which allowed me a solid start to get my business up and running. I also included everyone in my business name search which ultimately ended up with me choosing Mixin’ Vixen. By now everyone knew I was a legit company, and I naturally started booking jobs and have been steadily booking job ever since. I can honestly say that my word of mouth and repeat business is a huge part of my success. I have always had the fun outgoing personality that made me a great people person. Add that to my creative side, my genuine heart and my ability to recite peoples drinks and names with ease, sets me apart from the competitors. I am very hands on ensuring my execution is on point. I’m the 3.5 years I have been in business I’ve been able to grow into a company with 6 employees. I also have 3 full bar setups to accommodate multiple people at once. And I am currently working with Caterers, Casino Game, Florist, DJ’s, Nyotaimori and a Photobooth Rental. Within the next 6 months my website with show options to add all of these new features to your bar services. I want to be a one stop shop, and I won’t stop until I reach that goal!! Then I want to franchise and hopefully one day have a business that is known and operates all over the country.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first year was magical. I only had 2 other companies in direct competition. I was busy and growing. The second year everyone became a mobile bartender. A lot of them were not licensed or insured and their prices didn’t reflect the quality that I provide, so it made it very hard to compete. I struggled with negotiating with customers to stay relevant. I was in a rut for about a year and then I changed my target market and stopped undermining my abilities and started changing my approach and that made all the difference.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am very much a lover of charity. I donate bar services and supplies for fundraisers at least 4 times a year for different 501c3′ Charities. I am also on the board of directors of my own non for profit, Will’s Way Dog Rescue. I have a huge love for animals, and it makes my heart so happy to help get very deserving dogs their new forever home. I volunteer when I can and often adopt a family for Christmas. using my reach on social media to get things donated for families in need. I would say this is very much something I love as much as my actual business.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t really believe in luck. Everything happens for a reason and you meet people for reasons, so I’m always looking for the signs as to “why” people or opportunities are put in my path.
Pricing:
- Pricing is all based on the needs of the client. If someone just needs a certified bartender to show up in uniform with their bar tools, then the rates start at $350 for a 4hr party with an hour before and after to set up and breakdown. So, $350 for 6hrs. And it goes up from there depending on what a customer needs. It’s all custom
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mixinvixen.com
- Instagram: mixinvixen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mixvixmobilebartending
Image Credits
Photos credited to Michael May
