Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivory Gaines.
Hi Ivory, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I originally started The Daiquiri Box with the vision of opening a brick-and-mortar, inspired by New Orleans–style drive-through daiquiri shops. After navigating early obstacles, I made the intentional decision to pivot—and that shift became one of the best moves for the business.
The Daiquiri Box evolved into a mobile bartending and experiential mixology brand, allowing me to bring private, elevated bartending directly to clients. What began with intimate events quickly expanded as guests connected with the curated cocktails, themed experiences, and personal attention behind each event.
As the brand grew, so did the opportunities. I began working with corporate clients, nonprofits, cultural institutions, and brands, creating custom cocktail menus, brand activations, and immersive experiences aligned with each client’s vision and goals.
Today, The Daiquiri Box focuses on experiential events, bar consulting, corporate activations, and the Words of Affirmation Mixology Class Tour, built on the belief that hospitality doesn’t need walls to feel elevated—just intention, creativity, and connection.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been completely smooth, but my past experiences made the transition more manageable. I’ve worked as a restaurant owner, bartender, talent agency owner, and food designer for photo shoots, which taught me how to manage people, expectations, and creative direction within hospitality and events.
Those experiences helped me develop strong customer service skills, an understanding of sales, and the ability to work with high-expectation clients—especially brides and private event clients. While private bartending brought new challenges, the core of the work was familiar: valuing each client’s event as a top priority and delivering an elevated, personalized experience within their budget.
The road hasn’t been perfect, but every role I’ve had prepared me for this one, making the journey both intentional and sustainable.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Daiquiri Box. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Daiquiri Box is a Dallas–Fort Worth–based luxury mobile bartending and experiential mixology brand specializing in corporate events, brand activations, product launches, themed experiences, and high-end weddings. We are known for creating custom cocktail menus and immersive, Instagrammable beverage experiences that align with a client’s vision, brand, or event purpose.
What sets The Daiquiri Box apart is our focus on experience over transactions. Every event is approached as a curated moment—from menu development and presentation to guest interaction—ensuring each experience feels intentional, elevated, and memorable.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that The Daiquiri Box has become a trusted partner for both private clients and organizations seeking more than standard bartending. Whether it’s a corporate activation, nonprofit gala, or intimate celebration, our goal is to deliver thoughtful hospitality that makes every event feel prioritized and well-executed.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success through a combination of sustainable revenue and client satisfaction. Revenue matters because this is a real business, not a hobby.
Equally important is knowing clients feel genuinely satisfied with the experience we deliver. Our five-star reviews, repeat bookings, and client testimonials, especially video feedback, show that we consistently meet that standard. When people take the time to talk not just about the bartender, but about the complete bar experience, from booking and consultation to curated menu development, including private tastings to finalize signature cocktails, and execution at the event, that is a strong measure of success.
When a company is profitable and clients feel valued, confident, and excited to share their experience, I know we are doing something right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedaiquiribox.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaiquiribox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDaiquiriBox/
Image Credits
The first shot is by Luis Velazquez of Firebrand Media. The other images are all mine and taken with my phone.
