Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joanna Suazo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
When I decided to start my own small business, I wanted a name that was tied and meaningful to a personal experience.
In 2019, I received the unexpected news that I was going to become a mother to a beautiful baby boy. And practically with only one month to prepare for his arrival. During this transitional life change and being a single mom, the encountered challenges and being able to provide all the essentials was an obstacle. I wanted to provide not only the essentials but many more things that he deserves. He was my strength and motivation to turn my passion working behind the bar into a business. Though my name is Joanna, family and friends call me by my nicknames for the most part. They either call me “J” or “Jo”. After my son was born and his name is Jonas, they branded us with the nickname “JoJo”. When me and my son go anywhere, our family and friends comment here come the JoJo’s.
Upon starting my business, I wrote down many potential names but they didn’t have a meaningful impact and didn’t reflect who I was, etc. It then came to mind….”Its JoJo”. I asked for feedback on the name and it was a common response that it represented who I was and my story. Most importantly a tribute to my son.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I am the founder of Its JoJo, LLC. I decided to become a mobile bartender after working many years behind the bar and having fun with cocktail making along with learning the science behind what it takes to make various spirits, wines, beers, etc. and share that knowledge with my customers. Like I mentioned, my son was my motivation and gave me the courage to pursue my goals.
Whether it’s a small gathering or business event, Its JoJo assists clients with professional and one of a kind service for bar services! Our customers provide the alcohol, mixers, ice, and cups and we take care of the rest. With over four years of experience in the industry, Its JoJo has a passion and enthusiasm when it comes to cocktail making and working the bar. We offer services in Houston, TX and surrounding areas.
We care about our customers and there’s nothing more important to me than executing a successful bar experience. We work closely with our customers to meet their expectations, consult recommendations on the quantity needed, and collaborate when custom drinks are requested.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
It has been quite a rocky road to have reached where I am today business-wise and it’s still a learning process as I continue to grow. Balancing personal and professional life is always a challenge. Having to work late nights or early mornings. Being under lots of stress to meet deadlines or making time to work on projects, finances are just a few of the challenges I’ve encountered. There were times where the negative energy would overwhelm me to my breaking point and I would need to reset and refocus. I’d take a step back and meditate on all the positives; then take a deep breath and slowly get myself back on track.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As mentioned previously, balancing personal and professional life is a constant challenge. There have been occasions I get overwhelmed and feel unaccomplished – like a dark storm with negative energy. I have to take a step back and recollect myself into a positive mindset.
The financial aspect of the business is a barrier that I encounter with its ups and downs – especially during the COVID 19 pandemic. A majority of the investment towards my business has come from my personal funds. There are occasions where it is difficult to invest more due to other personal responsibilities that I need to handle. I’ve learned and continue to learn new lessons to be more money smart. I’m finding new methods on how budget more efficiently when it comes to purchasing supplies or equipment, along with investing towards projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://itsjojo0503.wixsite.com/itsjojollc
- Instagram: itsjojo_bartending
- Facebook: Its JoJo, LLC