Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Washington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I started out being the one who mixed all of the drinks for our family events and just about all of my own events. I had a passion for experimenting with different spirits and flavors. But my true satisfaction of experimenting, was seeing everyone enjoy something I created. As a few years passed, in 2015, I decided to take the opportunity to both enhance my craft by attending bartending school and also find a part time job as a bartender for additional income. I completed school and worked ONE WEEK in a nightclub and I quit because I absolutely hated that environment and scene. I’m a true introvert so it did not fit well with who I am and their idea of a cocktail wasn’t my thing because I love a crafted cocktail and not juice and alcohol in a cup.

I was asked by a coworker to bartend her wedding. I started with the planning of her menu, designing her menu and creating her signature cocktails, I fell in love with the process and I would say that was the beginning of Lush Catered Bar. That Monday following the wedding, the mobile bartending business fell in spirit and in my heart and I just knew this was a business for me. That very next day I was researching the things I needed to do to operate legally, how to become a limited liability company, the equipment that was required and how many other companies near me that were like mine and what should I do differently. I knew that whatever I was going to do, I wanted to do it with style, presentation, provide professionalism and bring the craft back into cocktails! I didn’t want my business to be similar to any type of club or restaurant establishment. I wanted to have a more intimate and inclusive relationship with what I create for my clients that I now consider family.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into this industry because I enjoy the craft of mixing. I love that I can enhance a spirit or flavor based on the type of ingredients I use. With our event bartending services we understand that not all events are the same, so we like to customize our services, even sometimes down to their cocktail menu according to our clients event needs or desires. We want our clients to always feel exclusivity when booking with us! So we mix cocktails, make our own natural ingredients, I.e. simple syrups, spun sugars , etc. because we know that these are things you cannot find anywhere else but with us! I am most proud of our continued growth and surrounding ourselves around others who are just as passionate about crafted cocktails as we are! We are proud of our work and we love our Lush Family !

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

Being consistent. Treating every event as if it could be the first and last. Because the first impression means everything and your last thought… lingers. And if we can leave our clients and their guests with good thoughts, great cocktails and a personable experience that’s a plus for us. Which is why about 85% of our business comes from our loyal Lush family and their referrals. Word of mouth has been a vital tool that has built our reputation over the last 5 years.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Ayesha has been in my life or rather should I say I have been in hers, lol for over 20 years! She has been with me through a lot and have always remained consistent and true. When I first presented the idea she was rooting for me! When I needed help with the events, she asked that I show her what to do and she was there to help me do them. She seen how serious I was about this and she too became serious by going to Atlanta every Saturday to get licensed! She was serious and dedicated to helping Lush grow. She always say, “You’re the Mommy and I’m the overprotective “TT” (auntie) of your baby (Lush) !” And that she is because she’s as just as dedicated as I am with Lush! We pray, we cry and we get it done together.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lushcateredbar.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lushcateredbar
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/lushcateredbar