Today we’d like to introduce you to Elechia Bryant
Hi Elechia, 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?
I graduated college in 2008, in the middle of a recession so the job market was not the best. I was already a bartender and worked as a bartender through college. Just to continue to survive, I remained a bartender, in hopes of a corporate job coming along. That corporate job never happened and here it is, 4 years later and I’m still a bartender. I received a request for one of my bar regulars to bartend his daughter’s wedding, that opened the door to a new opportunity I never thought about. So, I got a job with another company bartending events and learning the business and how things work. In, 2012, I had a friend, who was a graphic designer and helped small businesses. I had a logo, an email, website and all the things to get me going. My first major client, was 2 wonderful female entrepreneurs, who were bringing Hollywood to Dallas. They had these very upscale events with great clientele, that opened so many doors for me to network with great people and build a brand. I became a preferred vendor at a wedding venue in 2018, Avalon Legacy Ranch. We are still working with them today and love them so very much, they are like family now! That’s where I learned, I can get consistent business and clients. Now, we are preferred vendors at 12 different wedding venues across the metroplex, I have 40 employees on staff, its an all female staff, full of beauty, personality and great service. Running a business, definitely has been tough yet rewarding. The work never stops but I love creating an amazing experiences for my clients on their big day. It’s the little things and I will continue to provide that with love and care for as long as I can!
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 has definitely not been a smooth road, the hardest obstacle, is maintaining cash flow. It requires a lot to maintain payroll, marketing, supplies, so many moving parts to keep the business going. COVID, was a major shift, we managed to double our sales every year and get better with each event. The current economy and inflation has had a huge impact on the business. Our sales have declined drastically, we have had to cut back on so many things just to maintain status and keep the business a float.
The most important aspect, is to remain consistent, build a great team and don’t give up. The economy will always fluctuate, business will change but you just have to figure it out. My favorite phrase, the most famous words from Dory, “Just keep swimming.” That’s literally all you can do, have a positive perspective and outlook.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The most important focus for me, is my team. You have to have a great team and take care of your staff, they keep the business going because I cannot work all the events. I specialize in creating personalize experience with each person that books with us. Everyone is special, their event is important and costing them a lot of money. I never want my clients to feel like a number but give them the best experience possible. I am really proud of the team I have, they have been there for me through it all, good and bad. We survived the bad through respect and communication, treat people how you want to be treated. You will not get that in return always but if you stay true to you, the blessings always return. My personality and ability to connect with my team and clients, is what sets me apart. Just being respectful and doing my best to meet their needs without compromising myself or my integrity. We have fun with our guests, make them laugh, dance with them just treat them like friends and family, we always have the best time and elevate that experience!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I hate taking pictures, I am always behind the scene and promote my staff, more than myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.redlabelbartendingtx.com
- Instagram: @redlabelbartending
- Facebook: @redlabelbartending
