We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Donte’ Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Donte’ , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I’ve been in the service industry since I was 15 years old starting as a Server. After relocating to Charlotte, NC, I continued working as a part time Server and Bartender while working full-time in healthcare management. I found my niche after working in several different bars and restaurants which led me to starting the business as a Mobile Bartender. With a background in Healthcare Management & Consulting, I leveraged those skills into growing my business into a full-service bartending solutions company providing training, consulting, and mobile bartending services to my community.

Donte’ , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

how you got into your industry / business: It all started with me becoming a Volunteer EMT while working part time as a Server. Ultimately, the service industry led me to bartending and the healthcare industry led to me excelling in leadership and operations. The experience and knowledge I’ve gained combined with networking has led to me having much success as a first-time business owner.

What type of products/services/creative works you provide: Bartending School, Mobile Bartending Services, Mixology Classes, Training & Consulting

what problems you solve for your clients: The bartending industry lacks comprehensive training programs and professional services that adequately prepare aspiring bartenders, cater to cocktail enthusiasts, and provide reliable solutions for businesses seeking bartending services and consulting.

what you think sets you apart from others: My professionalism and customer service hands down.

What are you most proud of: I’m most proud of not becoming another “statistic” despite the way life was handed to me. Everything I’ve put my mind to, I have at least tried and succeeded. No matter what is thrown at me, I keep pushing forward! Idea to Execution can be scary but so worth it!

what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.: That I’m so thankful for support that I’ve received and continue receiving since starting my business. A lot of days are scary and stressful as an entrepreneur, but I put God first and keep pushing! I love what I do and I’m always striving to learn more so I can continue empowering my students and providing exceptional experiences for my clients.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I’ve been in the service industry since I was 15 years old. I began as a server at IHOP. I worked my way up to a management position. I continued working there for many years; working in a total of 4 different IHOPs.

In 2018, I relocated to Charlotte, NC and needed to begin making extra money while transitioning jobs so I went back to IHOP and realized it was time for something new. I was starting completely over in this new city and was determined to make it; not to move back to my hometown. A friend of mine encouraged me to begin bartending because she thought I had the personality for it. I was nervous for weeks and then finally decided to enroll in bartending school. I finished the course in a couple weeks after making a few cocktails, taking a test, and getting my certificate.

A month after class, I landed a bartending job right before CIAA! My first night, I made so much money and had no clue what I was doing! That bar job taught me everything I know today. I worked there until COVID hit. Once restrictions began lifting in 2021, I began doing freelance bartending at various bars and venues around Charlotte. Customers would ask me to bartend their birthdays, weddings, and special events. Bar Managers and Owners were asking me to help train their Bartenders. Finally, by July 2021 I began forming J1S Bartending Solutions LLC with hopes of being able to bring solutions for all things bar related to the community! I noticed there was a lack of training and consistency in the industry. From classic cocktail recipes to basic techniques, down to general customer service.

In July 2021 I began as a Mobile Bartending Service and have since evolved to a Bartending – Mixology School with over 200 students successfully completing my training program. J1S Bartending Solutions LLC continues to provide professional bartending training, mobile bartending services, group mixology classes, training, and consulting.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I worked my full-time healthcare management position during the week and bartended at night and on the weekends. By doing this I was able to put my tips towards building the business!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.J1SBartending.com
• Instagram: @J1SBartending
• Facebook: J1S Bartending Solutions LLC
• Other: TikTok: @J1SBartending