We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ainsley Toal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ainsley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
When I first started converting my horse trailer into a mobile bar in April 2023, I had no idea what I was doing, let alone how to market it. But I figured, why not bring people along for the ride? So, I began documenting the entire renovation process, even though it was super amateur. I’m not a content creator by any means, but I wanted to share the journey—the good, the bad, and the rust!
About a month in, before the trailer even looked remotely usable, a family friend reached out asking if I’d be available for her September wedding. I was floored! She saw something in my vision—even though I was posting videos of a bare metal and a rusted trailer! Without hesitation, I said yes, even though I had no clue how I’d finish the renovation in four months. I was beyond excited and honored that she trusted me with such a big part of her day.
Ironically, she had been my makeup artist for my own wedding nine years earlier, so it felt like such a full-circle moment. It was a mix of nerves and excitement, but that first booking will always be special, as it was the beginning of what The Steel Magnolia would become.
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 back background and context?
I come from a background in Marketing and Event Management, which helped lay the foundation for what I do today. Early in my career, I had the privilege of planning and executing award-winning events and festivals for Jekyll Island, GA. Along with that, I always loved organizing small gatherings for friends and family. Bartending was something I started doing in college and continued well beyond because I enjoyed it so much—it just felt natural to combine those passions into something more.
That’s how The Steel Magnolia was born. We’re a full-service mobile bar focused on creating a unique and exclusive event experience. But we’re more than just bartenders—we offer handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine service, and an interactive experience with a photo-worthy backdrop that adds a special touch to every event.
What sets us apart is that we provide a completely stress-free experience. We want our clients to focus on celebrating while we take care of the details. Southern hospitality is at the heart of what we do, and our attention to detail, along with the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensures every drink is memorable.
I’m most proud of pursuing this dream and turning it into a reality. None of this would be possible without the incredible clients who have supported my small business along the way, and I’m deeply grateful for that.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Word of mouth has been the best source of new clients for me, hands down. The majority of my bookings come from referrals, and I believe that speaks volumes about the experience we provide. Whether it’s guests attending an event where we’re serving or clients spreading the word, I approach every event as an opportunity to impress not just the host but every single guest.
I’ve booked events from guests who I served at their best friend’s wedding, and others who heard about us through the friend of a friend. I know it might sound cliché, but it’s true—word of mouth is gold in this business.
Aside from referrals, Google reviews have been a valuable source of new clients. I’m also grateful to be part of the Dawson County Chamber and have partnerships with a few amazing venues in the North Georgia area, which has helped build connections and expand our reach.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My business partner is my husband, Taylor Toal, and we’ve been building this incredible life together for almost 10 years now. While Taylor may not always be the face of The Steel Magnolia, he’s my quiet strength behind the scenes, playing a crucial role in our success.
From day one, he supported my “crazy idea” of turning an old trailer into a mobile bar, and he was genuinely excited to learn how to bartend—something he’d always considered a fun job! Taylor has an incredible knack for logistics, which is essential since I’m still working on maneuvering the trailer myself (definitely one of my 2025 resolutions!). He keeps us rolling—literally and figuratively!
You can often find him behind the bar, serving up good drinks with a smile, making sure every guest feels welcomed and taken care of. He also helped with many of the finishing touches on the trailer, including that pesky serving window. But perhaps the most vital role he plays is reminding me of my value and encouraging me never to sell myself short. We really complement each other in our business and our lives, constantly bouncing ideas off one another and leveraging our strengths.
So, while Taylor is more behind the scenes, his contributions are integral to the longevity and success of The Steel Magnolia and my entrepreneurial journey. Together, we’re building something special, one event at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thesteelmagnoliabar.com
- Instagram: TheSteelMagnoliaBar
- Facebook: TheSteelMagnoliaBar
