Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Tilkens

Hi Maria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My journey began long before I opened Bubble Bar Boston. It started when I was young, trying to figure out who I was and where I fit in the world. I became a mother at a young age, and for the last 34 years, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to raising my children. Being a mother has been one of the most fulfilling roles in my life, but at some point, I realized that I was losing a part of myself in the process. I was happy with my family—my spouse, my children—but I wasn’t living the life I was truly meant for. I had dreams and passions that had been pushed aside.

Then came a turning point. After having a double mastectomy and enduring nine surgeries, I realized how fragile life can be. It was a moment of reckoning for me. Those experiences made me reflect on what I wanted from life, what was still missing. I came to the realization that while I was content, I wasn’t truly fulfilled. I had been living in a state of fear—fear of stepping outside of the roles I had assigned to myself, fear of going after something more.

That’s when I made a change. I shifted my entire perspective on life. I stopped living in fear and started to focus on becoming the person I wanted to be. I took the leap into something that scared me but also excited me: opening my own business. I had always loved creating experiences, especially for others, and Bubble Bar Boston was born out of that passion. It was a way for me to combine my love of creativity, cocktails, and community in a way that felt completely authentic to me.

Since then, the journey has been more than just building a business. It’s been about reclaiming my identity, finding fulfillment, and creating a space that not only serves drinks but offers a unique, memorable experience for everyone who walks in. Opening Bubble Bar Boston wasn’t just about creating a bar—it was about creating a new chapter in my life, one where I could live without fear, on my own terms, and help others celebrate their own milestones and moments along the way.

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?

No, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, and I’ve realized that I’ve often been my own biggest obstacle. One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is how to get out of my own way—to trust both myself and the process. When I first decided to step into something new, like opening Bubble Bar Boston, the doubts and fears were overwhelming. I’d spent so many years focused on others that I had forgotten how to trust in my own instincts.

There were moments of self-doubt and times when I second-guessed my decisions. Learning how to navigate the complexities of running a business was a challenge in itself, but the mental hurdles were just as difficult. I’ve had to learn to silence the inner critic and let go of the need for perfection. Trusting myself has been key—not just in making decisions, but in knowing that even if things don’t go exactly as planned, I’ll be able to handle whatever comes next.

That said, each challenge has been a learning experience, helping me grow stronger and more confident. Whether it was managing the operations of the business, balancing my family life, or dealing with personal health struggles, the road has been anything but easy. But through it all, I’ve learned to embrace the journey, and each obstacle has brought me closer to where I’m meant to be.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I’m the owner of Bubble Bar Boston on Main, a luxury vintage cocktail lounge, and we specialize in creating a memorable and elevated experience for our guests. We’re known for our unique craft cocktails, like the Lilium and Rosa Genesis, as well as for our elegant, welcoming atmosphere. What sets us apart is the attention to detail—not just in the drinks we serve, but in the entire experience. Whether it’s through the ambiance, the service, or the thoughtfully crafted cocktails, we strive to make every visit feel special.

What I’m most proud of is that at almost 50, I made a major shift in my life. I started over, choosing a road that isn’t for the faint of heart, but one that has been deeply fulfilling. Every time I see people happy, enjoying what I’ve created, it fills me up in a way I didn’t know was possible. It’s that joy, that connection with people, that keeps me going, even through the challenges.

What really sets us apart is the heart behind what we do. It’s not just about making drinks; it’s about creating a space where people feel connected, celebrated, and part of something special. I poured my passion into this, and I think people can feel that when they walk through the door.

How do you think about luck?

Don’t even get me started on luck—there’s really no such thing, in my opinion. Life presents us with a mix of good and bad experiences, and it’s up to us how we respond. We can choose to take the good and build on it, while also learning from the bad, or we can let setbacks drag us down and define our narrative.

For me, the journey has been a testament to the power of resilience. Every challenge I’ve faced in both life and business has been an opportunity for growth. When I encounter obstacles, I don’t dwell on them; instead, I assess the situation and find a way to pivot or adapt. This mindset is what has shaped my success and has helped me create something meaningful at Bubble Bar Boston.

I firmly believe that passion, hard work, and tenacity are the driving forces behind what some people perceive as “luck.” When you’re dedicated and willing to put in the effort, opportunities tend to arise. It’s not about waiting for a lucky break; it’s about actively seeking out opportunities and making things happen. Conversely, a lack of those qualities can make someone appear unlucky, as they might miss the potential in front of them.

Ultimately, I see luck as a byproduct of preparation and perseverance. The more you invest in yourself and your goals, the more “lucky” moments you create. It’s all about how you approach life and business. For me, the focus has always been on building a solid foundation through hard work and determination. That’s what has truly made a difference in my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bubblebarbostononmain.com and www.bubblebarboston.com
• Instagram: Bubblebarbostononmain and Bubblebarboston
• Facebook: Bubble Bar Boston on Main and Bubble Bar Boston

Image Credits

Authentically Linds LLC