Today we’d like to introduce you to Asha Jennings.
Asha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands and have been residing in the DFW area for over 13 years.
I fell in love with the idea of bartending after being asked to provide impromptu service at a grand opening of a downtown boutique for a client who hired me as one of her Models. At that time, I wasn’t even a bartender, but I did however just happen to have the license to be able to serve alcohol since I was also a cocktail waitress. Her bartender did not show up, which led her to ask if any of the Models had a license to serve. I volunteered, peoples drinks were nice and strong that night, they loved it, I loved it and that was all she wrote!
After the invigorating encounter, I decided to perfect my bartending skills. I graduated from ABC Bartending School located in Ft. Worth in 2010, and began to work at different bars, restaurants, and even liquor brand ambassador work to learn all aspects of the craft.
Once I felt that I was skilled, I began marketing myself for people who were in need of a private bartender. I found I loved private and social event bartending so much better because not only was I able to add my own personal touch and show my personality for each and every event that I was blessed to be hired for, but I was able to make more of a connection with the clients and their guests and get to know them, experience their special moments, and their culture all while getting them tipsy off some amazing libations!
Like any successful business, the demand for my services began to grow and I needed help! I decided after I graduated from University of Texas in Arlington In 2017, that I would take my business to the next level.
Shortly after graduation, I started to recruit and personally hire bartenders that I knew had the passion and experience for bartending, providing great customer service, and the qualities of self-sufficiency. Now, we are 30 bartenders strong and growing!
I thank God for the opportunities of being able to make all the connections with my clients, all the Venues and Business Acquaintances that have supported, and the bartenders that have made my business Flourish into what it is today.
Has it been a smooth road?
The Road to a Successful business is not always smooth. It takes round the clock hard work, dedication, and consistency. You have to be able to adapt and adapt quickly, otherwise, you will lose a lot of business.
Some struggles that I ran into along the years was:
Adapting to different Venue regulations such as having a certain type of Insurance. Before I had the insurance for my business, I did lose quite a few jobs because I needed a specific type of insurance that certain Venues started to require that isn’t a requirement of the state, but just a preference of the Venue. I did in fact, get this specific insurance that would be requested by the Venues to resolve losing some of the clients over it.
Another issue was a conflict of interest with some of my bartenders that I would hire. A few came into my company that had other intentions to promote themselves and incorporate my business ideas to start their own bartending service or acquire new clients off of my bookings. I quickly caught on and began to incorporate certain questions in the interview process as well as add a specific clause in my contract to prevent them from doing so.
Lastly, I ran into one issue with a past client that never issued the remaining payment for services received. This was an event where I sent out four bartenders to provide services at a location in Tyler, TX. Needless to say, it was hard to track her down and she never paid the remaining balance. I did come out of pocket to pay my bartenders and took the lost, Originally, my procedure would be for the client to place a deposit, then pay the remaining balance when the bartenders arrived onsite. I realized this method was not a secure way for me to do business and protect myself from dishonorable people, so I now have a new policy incorporated in the client’s contract. If I will not be present, the remaining balance is to be paid two days in advance.
It is certain struggles like the above, that cause businesses to have particular requirements for things to run smoothly.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
In a Nutshell, My Company is a Mobile Bartending Service that brings the bar experience to you! We Travel Dallas/Ft Worth and surrounding areas.
My company is Licensed and Insured.
I am able to provide licensed, friendly, and professional bartenders as well as additional bar service items such as Portable Bars, Champagne Walls, Frozen Cocktail Machine, Light Up Lettering, Beverage Cups, Ice, etc.
Aside from reasonable pricing and tasty cocktails or Mock-Tails, we specialize in working closely with each individual client one on one to ensure that their bar service needs are met. Our service automatically comes with Drink Menu Customization paired with an Itemized Shopping List to assist. To top it off, complimentary Bar Items are provided to make the experience even more memorable. If a client doesn’t want to do the shopping for their open bar, then we can also have an add on to do the shopping for them!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heymsbartender.com
- Phone: 6827067881
- Email: heymsbartender@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heymsbartender/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heymsbartender/
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