We were lucky to catch up with Andrea Alvarez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Andrea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
After working in the service industry for over a decade, I had this constant desire to create something for myself and my love for the craft. In the span of one year, I was able to plan and execute a business model, brand and a great team to assist me in this endeavor. It took much research, financial preparation and connecting with the right people to guide and help me as I was definitely nervous and scared to take such a big risk. Of course, my goal was to continue to give my clients an amazing experience, but I also wanted the business to be self-sustaining and lucrative. Having to secure the essentials such as business insurance, banking, launching my website and marketing was a world new to me.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve been in the service industry for over 12 years. My first job in this field was a hostess, then moving up to server, cocktail waitress then bartender. These jobs completely forced me to come out of my shell, make great income and I believe and now know, find my true calling…giving a memorable experience to anyone I came across with. It made me feel good when others were catered to and evidently pleased with my service. I’ve always been very passionate about learning and passing on all the amazing flavors, pairings and celebration experiences this industry has to offer. Fast forward to now, I’ve finally successfully launched my own small business executing the same client satisfaction.
As an event bartender and caterer, we provide a sense of expert opinion, relief and convenience. We help with signature cocktail creations to compliment your event theme, quantity pars/alcohol shopping and delivery and providing the essential mixers, garnishes and set ups to bring a complete curated bar experience for our clients. Our services range from professional bartending, event waitstaff, party planning, cocktail classes and vendor organization.
Our clients and their guests really do get the royalty treatment when they book our services. It’s our mission to leave you and your guests highly impressed, entertained and glad that you chose Top Shelf Duchess for your event needs.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Of course, when you want to start your own business, the first task you have to address is how you’re going to fund your business. When I first had the risky idea to become an entrepreneur, I knew a profitable business wasn’t going to happen right away. For a whole year, I worked nonstop, serving double shifts and overtime at the restaurant. I had to hyper focus on this goal, and I saved a portion of my yearly income. I sacrificed my personal life for what looking back, didn’t seem like a year at all. Every day, I was one step closer and when it was finally time to make the move, it seemed like it was in my face at such a fast pace. Getting all of your ducks in a row and taking critical time to prepare is everything. I feel very fortunate to be able to start up with my own savings.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
My clients and myself mostly use Instagram. I think they love to see all the fun events we get to service and some of our delicious cocktails to inspire them for their next event. For me, it’s not the number of followers or how fast that count is growing but the mutual connection my clients and I have through Instagram. I love following them back, making sure to also support their companies and businesses and to simply just keep in touch with them and congratulate them on all their life celebrations which is always the reason why we initially meet…my business servicing their celebratory events. When we’re at events or networking, we always make sure to tell everyone to follow us on social media. Social media is the modern-day business card. It gives the potential client to preview your work, reputation, your creativity and it’s a speedy way to also contact and inquire via DMs.
I feel people love to see the come up, the behind the scenes and prep posts. So, we tend to share those moments along with the beautiful outcome of our brand and what we do and who our clients are/what they’re celebrating. Sharing authentic moments with your clients and collaborators is really important in my opinion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TopShelfDuchess.com
- Instagram: @TopShelfDuchessLLC
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TopShelfDuchess/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-alvarez-6846981b9
Image Credits
Oscar Garcia