We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristen Cumiskey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristen below.

Kristen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

In 2014, my business partner Alicia Lane and I created the first ever mobile bartending company in St. Augustine, Florida, The Perfect Pour. As a new business, not only did we have to get our name out there, but we also had to explain the services we offer. We visited local venues, emailed caterers, joined all the wedding Facebook groups we could find, and found one of the best networking groups, St. Augustine Wedding and Events Association, that we are still a part of today. Luckily, Alicia and I are not shy and have no problem sparking up a conversation. We attended an association meeting as guests and used the fact that there are two of us to our advantage. I went one way on a hunt to introduce myself and our business to all the venue associates in attendance and Alicia met with the caterers. The number of connections we made in such a short amount of time exceeded our expectations. Till this day, we still work with so many unbelievable vendors we met within our first year in business.

I remember booking our first event like it was yesterday. One of the venues we met with reached out to let us know that her client would like to book us for a Western Themed 70th Birthday Party. Alicia called my phone and we both screamed for joy so loud that I probably woke the whole neighborhood. Although that feeling was great, the absolute greatest milestone feeling happened just a few short weeks later. It was late August in Florida and extremely hot. We were excited, nervous, and sweaty as we got in position behind the bar in our festive cowboy hats. Simultaneously, we let out a deep breath, looked at each other and Alicia said, “we did it” as our first guest was approaching the bar.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I inherited my strong work ethic from my parents. Raising a family of 5 on Long Island is expensive, and we sometimes struggled. My parents tiredly worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Observing them while growing up, I knew I had to work hard to not have that lifestyle in the future. At twelve years old, I launched my first business, Kristen’s Babysitting, by hanging flyers on trees. The day I turned 14, I got my working papers and opened up the classifieds. I inquired about the children’s party host position available and got the job on the spot. Throughout the rest of my time in High School, I worked at least 2 jobs and babysat on the side.

Eager and determined, not only did I want to be the first one of the family to go to college, but I also wanted to get out of New York. I had all my college applications filled out by the end of summer vacation. On the first day of my senior year, I proudly walked into my guidance counselor’s office with my applications in hand. I got into Flagler College pressuring to be an Elementary School Teacher. When my father said goodbye to me at the dorms, I saw him cry for the first time. He knew that after dropping me off, I may never return home. In his heart he did not want to let me go but trusted in me to go follow my dreams. He was right. I never looked back and St. Augustine, Florida has been my home since 2002.

While in school, I came to the conclusion that teaching was no longer my passion. I wanted to earn more, do more, and be my own boss. After graduation, I continued waiting tables and bartending at a local seafood restaurant. Anyone who was ever worked in the industry knows, it can be extremely hard to get out of once you are in. While dipping my toes in some other careers, such as a Pharmacy Technician, nothing compared to the cash coming in and the hustle and bustle of the hospitality industry.

One of the many jobs I had as a teen was working alongside my mother at a luxury venue. I was a sever and bridal attendant, and my mom was the maître D. While my husband Owen and I were planning our wedding, I was shocked to learn that most venues in Florida do not include any food or beverage like in New York. I was referred to the only bar service known in all of Northeast Florida. After some reflection, I was reminded of my genuine passion for the wedding and event industry. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off. After a discussion with my old co-worker Alicia, we agreed there was definitely a need for a bar service in our city. Shortly after, on July 11, 2014, The Perfect Pour was born.

In 2021, I took on the role as Event Manager at a popular venue, the Tringali Barn. Six months later, my husband was offered the position of Property Manager. Lucky for me, he accepted and we have been working together ever since. Owen takes care of the 54 acres, while I handle the all the logistics with the barn. Together, we manage the events and make a pretty great team!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Between 2014 and 2019, The Perfect Pour stood strong against some unpredictable Florida elements. We weathered hurricanes Matthew, Irma, and Dorian. While those severe storms tested our resilience, nothing quite prepared us for the unprecedented challenge of surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. With each canceled event, we felt the 6 years of hard work crumbling in front of us. Navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic, community fear, and government rules was definitely our biggest test.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The Perfect Pour has proven that when northern hustle meets southern charm, exceptional hospitality is guaranteed. becomes the standard. My business partner Alicia Lane is from South Carolina, and I was born and raised on Long Island. When blended together, we create an exceptionally balanced and formidable duo. Florida’s population is a mix of millions of Northeastern transplants and deeply rooted southern locals. We created a powerhouse team that that has a unique understanding of both Northern and Southern wedding traditions.

Contact Info:

• Website: theperfectpourfl.com tringalibarn.com
• Instagram: @the.perfect.pour @tringali_barn @KristenLeigh510
• Facebook: @akperfectpour

Image Credits

Photos by Rob Futrell

Laura Perez Photography

Greg Olech Photography