We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashlyn Tarp a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashlyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

When I started Simply Twisted Co., the biggest risk wasn’t just financial—it was putting myself out there in an industry where I knew I’d be compared, questioned, and challenged. At the time, there were safer paths I could have taken. But I chose to invest in a brand-new business, one that required upfront costs for licensing, insurance, equipment, and branding, before I had the reassurance of steady clients.

The scariest part was committing to a vision that others didn’t always understand. I didn’t want to just show up and serve drinks—I wanted to elevate what a mobile bar could be, from curated cocktails to polished presentation. That meant creating a brand identity and pricing structure that reflected quality, even when it felt like a gamble in a market where cheaper options already existed.

There were moments early on when I questioned everything: Was I charging too much? Would anyone book me? Did I really have what it takes to stand out? But every “yes” I received proved that the risk was worth it.

Today, that leap of faith has grown into a thriving business that books weddings, corporate events, and celebrations across Northwest Arkansas. More than anything, the risk taught me that fear doesn’t mean stop—it means you’re stepping into something worth fighting for. That mindset has shaped every decision since and continues to push me to grow Simply Twisted Co. in ways I never imagined. I have stayed confident in every decision I have made which has led me to where I am today.

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?

My name is Ashlyn Tarp, and I’m the founder of Simply Twisted Co., a mobile bartending company based in Northwest Arkansas. What started as a simple idea—bringing a high-end, personalized bar experience directly to people’s celebrations—has grown into a business I’m incredibly proud of.

I got into this industry because I’ve always loved hosting and creating memorable experiences for others. I noticed that in our area, there weren’t many options for bartending services that felt elevated, modern, and customizable. Most people had two choices: hire someone just to pour drinks, or go with a cookie-cutter package that didn’t match the unique vibe of their event. I wanted to create something different: a mobile bar that wasn’t just about drinks, but about moments.

At Simply Twisted Co., we provide dry-hire bartending services for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and celebrations of all kinds. Our services include custom signature cocktails, curated mocktails, beer and wine service, champagne towers, soda bars, infused water stations, and thoughtful garnishes like dehydrated citrus and edible flowers. Every detail—from the way drinks are styled, to the menus we design, to the professionalism of our bartenders—is chosen to fit the client’s event aesthetic.

The problems we solve go beyond just “who will serve the drinks.” We take the stress off our clients so they can enjoy their event, knowing that everything is handled—supplies, tools, ice, mixers, cups, and more. For couples getting married or companies hosting a launch party, that peace of mind is priceless.

What sets us apart is the combination of professionalism and creativity. We don’t just show up with bartenders—we show up with a brand that reflects elegance, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for making people feel celebrated. Our tagline, Sip, Savor, Celebrate, reflects exactly what we want for our clients: a chance to enjoy every moment while we elevate the experience.

I’m most proud of how far Simply Twisted Co. has come in a short time—from taking the leap to start this business, to being trusted with once-in-a-lifetime events like weddings, milestone birthdays, and major corporate celebrations. It’s an honor every single time we get invited to be part of those memories.

What I want potential clients and readers to know is this: Simply Twisted Co. is more than a bar—it’s an experience. We create custom, polished, unforgettable drink service that reflects you and the celebration you’ve dreamed of. Whether it’s your wedding day or a networking event, our goal is always the same: to leave your guests impressed, and to let you enjoy your day with confidence that everything is taken care of.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

For me, resilience showed up the moment I decided to launch Simply Twisted Co. I didn’t come into this business with investors, a roadmap, or a guarantee it would work. What I had was a vision and a willingness to take on the unknown. In the beginning, there were plenty of reasons to second-guess myself—no bookings yet, money going out faster than it was coming in, and a brand-new idea that I had to introduce to my community.

I remember staring at my first big expense for the business—insurance and licensing—and feeling the weight of that risk. It would have been easier to play it safe and not take the leap, but resilience for me was choosing to keep going, even when the outcome wasn’t certain.

Since then, I’ve learned that every step in this journey comes with challenges—whether it’s educating clients on what a dry-hire bar service is, or standing firm on pricing in a competitive market. But instead of letting those hurdles stop me, I use them as fuel. Every small win—every booked event, every happy client—reminds me that pushing forward through doubt and discomfort is what builds resilience.

That’s what I’m most proud of: not that it’s been easy, but that I’ve kept showing up, building momentum, and turning a dream into a business that’s now trusted to be part of life’s biggest celebrations.

Any advice for managing a team?

My biggest advice for managing a team and keeping morale high is to remember that people don’t just work for you, they work with you. In the events industry, things move quickly, and the energy of your team directly impacts the energy of your clients and guests. I’ve learned that communication, respect, and appreciation go a long way.

I always set expectations clearly before an event so everyone knows their role, but I also leave room for their input. Bartenders are talented and creative—when you give them space to shine, they take more pride in what they do.

I also believe in leading by example. If my team sees me staying calm under pressure, treating clients with kindness, and jumping in wherever I’m needed, it sets the tone. High morale comes from everyone feeling valued and supported, not just managed.

Finally, I make it a point to celebrate the wins—whether it’s a smooth service, great client feedback, or just surviving a busy weekend together. A simple thank you, or recognizing their hard work, goes a long way. At the end of the day, a happy team creates a better experience for our clients, and that’s always the goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simplytwistedco.com
• Instagram: simplytwisted_co
• Facebook: Simply Twisted Co