We were lucky to catch up with Cara Balcom recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I believe becoming successful requires a combination of mindset, habits and daily actions. The definition of success is all about perspective. I think it’s a combination of hard work and discipline. Consistency and effort are critical. Success requires dedication over a long period of time. Discipline helps you stay committed even when motivation fades.

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 own a mobile bar business called: Throw It Back.
At Throw It Back, we are proud to offer premium our mobile bars and bartending services throughout Michigan. We specializing in a wide range of events—from intimate retirement parties to grand weddings—our team has the experience and expertise to elevate any occasion.

Our mobile bars are a signature element of our brand. We offer a diverse collection of unique, portable satellite bars, as well as our distinguished black and gold mobile bar and elegant White mobile bar. Our design aesthetic of black, white, and gold ensures a sophisticated and versatile look that seamlessly complements any event.

As the owner of Throw It Back, I take immense pride in what we’ve built. I constantly remind myself of the journey and the milestones we’ve achieved. Our team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional hospitality experience, characterized by professionalism, creativity, and unwavering attention to detail.

We are more than just bartenders—we are hospitality professionals with a clear vision: to offer unmatched quality, creativity, and customer service. These principles are the cornerstone of our success and the driving force behind everything we do.

My journey began over 20 years ago, when I started as a cocktail server before working my way up to bar manager. Today, I’m proud to lead a thriving, women-owned mobile bar business. What began as a passion for mixology has now evolved into a successful entrepreneurial venture. Setting ambitious goals and surpassing them quickly has fueled my drive and demonstrated my commitment to this vision.

Ultimately, my goal is to build a legacy that will be passed down for generations. I’m working to create generational wealth, and I envision a future where my daughter can one day take the reins of the business. In today’s entrepreneurial landscape, many dream of owning a business, but it’s the dedication and relentless effort that make success possible. Once I set my mind to this path, there was no turning back. Each day, I speak success into existence, knowing that this mindset propels us forward.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a strong reputation in any market is a combination of several key factors. For Throw It Back, I believe several elements have contributed to establishing our reputation in the mobile bar industry:

1. Commitment to Quality and Consistency
From day one, we’ve made a point to deliver exceptional service and high-quality drinks at every event. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large wedding, our clients can rely on us for consistency in both the product and the experience. This attention to detail has helped foster trust and credibility.

2. Unique Offerings and Customization
Our mobile bars are not just functional; they are designed to stand out. The unique portable satellite bars and the elegant black and gold mobile bar help us create a memorable experience for clients. We understand that no two events are alike, so we offer customization options that allow each event to feel personalized, further strengthening our reputation for creativity and flexibility.

3. Word of Mouth and Client Referrals
Our clients are often our best ambassadors. By providing excellent service and memorable experiences, we’ve built a network of loyal customers who recommend us to others. Client referrals have played a significant role in growing our business and expanding our reach. Positive word of mouth, particularly in an event-driven industry like ours, is invaluable.

4. Professionalism and Customer-Centric Approach
From our communication to the execution of services, professionalism is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that events can be stressful for hosts, so we go above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our team’s approach to customer service—focused on respect, attentiveness, and reliability—has created long-lasting relationships and positive reviews.

5. Social Media and Online Presence
In today’s digital age, an effective online presence is crucial. We’ve strategically built and maintained our social media platforms, showcasing our unique services and the beautiful events we’ve been a part of. By regularly engaging with our audience and sharing behind-the-scenes content, testimonials, and event highlights, we have expanded our visibility and credibility in the marketplace.

6. My Personal Passion and Vision
As the founder, my personal commitment and vision for Throw It Back have played an essential role in shaping our reputation. I believe in my business and the value we offer, and that passion translates into everything we do. I’ve worked hard to build a brand that reflects my core values of creativity, quality, and service excellence, and that passion resonates with both clients and industry partners.

7. Building a Strong Team
No business can thrive without a dedicated, professional team. I’m proud to work with a group of bartenders and staff who share my vision for excellence. Our team’s professionalism, passion for hospitality, and attention to detail are integral to ensuring that every event is a success, which ultimately helps reinforce our reputation as a top-tier service provider in Michigan.

In summary, our reputation has been built on a foundation of quality, creativity, consistency, and a genuine passion for what we do. By staying focused on these core principles and continuously striving for excellence, we’ve earned the trust and respect of our clients and the industry.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Absolutely, I’d love to share a story that really highlights my resilience and determination throughout this journey.

When I first started Throw It Back, there was a period of uncertainty where it felt like I was hitting a wall at every turn. One particular challenge stands out that tested both my patience and my resolve.

In the early days of the business, I was still working to build the brand and create the right network, all while managing a full-time job. It was a time when every dollar counted, and every decision felt critical. I had just invested in one of our signature mobile bars—the black and gold one that would ultimately become a focal point of our brand—but I was running into a wall securing bookings with it. There was a period where it felt like an uphill battle, and I hit a wall of rejection that tested my perseverance.

At the time, I didn’t have the extensive network that I do now, and I was reaching out to event planners, venues, and even wedding coordinators, hoping to land our first few gigs. I’d send countless emails, make phone calls, and pitch our services at any opportunity. The responses, more often than not, were either a flat “no” or no response at all. It was disheartening, and there were moments when I questioned whether I was wasting my time, especially given how competitive the events industry is.

I remember feeling overwhelmed. It was one of those moments where you start to doubt everything you’ve built, and the temptation to quit is strong. But I had a vision, and I wasn’t about to let a few obstacles get in the way of that.

Instead of getting discouraged, I leaned into the challenge. I began working overtime to find solutions. I woke up at 5 am to research all things mobile bars and worked on other aspects of the business that I could control, such as refining our service offerings and updating our marketing materials. I used the time to tap into my network and build relationships with potential partners and clients, sharing the progress and vision of the business. The setbacks with the bar didn’t hold me back—they fueled my determination to push forward and come up with creative solutions.

And it worked. Not only did we eventually get several bookings in our first year, but the story of overcoming those early challenges became part of our brand narrative. Clients loved hearing how much passion and persistence went into building something special, and it helped strengthen the connection with them. The experience taught me the power of resilience—not just in pushing through tough times, but in re-framing setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Today, when I look back at that period, I’m reminded that resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges—it’s about using them to build something stronger and more meaningful. Every obstacle I encountered in those early days reinforced my commitment to the business and to my vision of creating a women-owned, successful mobile bar company. It also showed me how much personal growth happens when you face adversity head-on.

That lesson has stayed with me, and I carry it into every challenge we face today. Resilience isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s a mindset that drives success in both business and life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.throwitbackmi.com
• Instagram: THROW_IT_BACK_MI
• Facebook: Throw It Back Mobile Bar

Image Credits

Monika Anderson Photography, Prizm Image, Hphan Photograpgy.