Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Bush.
Hi Melissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
How I got started, it’s kind of a whirlwind store… It’s July 2021, my brother and sister-in-law lived in Ohio but were getting ready to move back home. Their friends owned a mobile bar. As my sister-in-law was over my brother-in-law was trying to talk her into buying their friend’s mobile bar. She showed me pictures of this bar. They had a camper, a horse trailer and an old pickup truck. I couldn’t stop looking through every photo of their setup on Instagram. It was simply beautiful what they created. As someone who loved throwing a great birthday party but could no longer as my kids are grown, I saw this as my opportunity to keep being creative.
I went to a few friends with the idea… no one had heard of a mobile bar (I took that as a good sign). They were all so supportive. The timing was perfect because we were getting ready to sell our cabin in the spring. So I started my research on mobile bars in MN and honestly, not many popped up. I also reached out directly to other mobile bartenders in other states. I did so much research before presenting this crazy idea to my husband. He started his own research of mobile bars. The more he dug, the more he liked the idea too. By Labor Day weekend, my son, Tanden, and I were on our way to Mt Pleasant MI to pick up a camper. By November, I had my business loan and hit the ground running. I introduced my business on my Facebook page to friends and family. I created a Facebook and Instagram page for my business. Got my Google account and a website all taken care of before the bar was even in construction. By December, I found a contractor to start turning my camper into an actual mobile bar. Construction was so much fun!! My contractor, Scott, would often times let me help him with the projects. In May I cried as I pulled away from Scott’s home with what was now no longer a camper but my beautiful mobile bar. I was a small business owner and June 6th was my 1st big event!!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s honestly been pretty smooth sailing. The only bump so far has been employees. However, I have a fantastic sister-in-law, Sara, who stepped up and started bartending events with me. I’ve been very blessed with my clients. Great moms of brides, amazing and beautiful brides. Not to mention some great businesswomen putting together some fun work events. I’ve even gotten the pleasure of helping out some other small business owners as they did their grand openings.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I immerse myself in helping my clients and their guests have a unique and memorable bar for their events. When I meet with my clients, it’s more than just a conversation. I get to know who I’m working for! I want to use the information from that meeting to add special touches to my bar for their event.
I will always try and mold myself, the signature drinks and the bar itself to each event.
I always try and use the freshest ingredients whenever possible. I show up early, I’m always checking in and I make sure to help out where I can when I can.
The relationships I’ve built with my clients, sets me apart.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me most would be my clients. I’ve been a bride and I’ve planned a wedding… I don’t remember building a relationship with anyone I hired. I never spoke with anyone outside of the norm.
Planning a wedding is stressful! If I can help a bride not have to worry about something as big and important as a bar, I will!!
If I can make the worries of having an open bar less stressful, I will!!
Pricing:
- My Basic package has a base of $900 plus $3 per person. This package will come with 3hrs of service and 1 signature cocktail.
- My Signature package has a base of $1200 plus $4 per person and 2 signature cocktails.
- My premium package has a base of $1500 plus $4 per person and 3 signature cocktails. This package will also come with my satellite bar, Petunia. She is meant to hang out in another area of the event with another bartender and 1 signature drink. We want to help guests move through the bar line faster so they can be out on the dance floor where they belong!!
- For each package, I will provide all the cups, ice, straws, napkins, garnishes and mixers
Contact Info:
- Website: sipandsavorbar.com
- Instagram: sipandsavormobile
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mobilebar21
Image Credits
Kristie J Martin Photography
