We recently connected with Krysten Strauser and have shared our conversation below.

Krysten, appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

Following my own wedding I started the launch of my business. Over the course of a year, we built a bar out of an old horse trailer. The venue my husband and I got married at was super supportive of our journey in building our business. Having full faith in us, they told their wedding couples about us, prior to us even having a completed project. At this time all we had was pictures of an old, rusted horse trailer to show for. We ended up having six weddings on our calendar, prior to the completion of our mobile bar. All of those couples who trusted in the execution of my vision, I owe so much gratitude towards. They sparked the fire in me, in the times of doubt and uncertainty. Someone who I had not met trusted in this plan. The first weddings were so special to us, but I will certainly never forget our very first couple to book, four years later, I am still getting to watch her family blossom and grow.

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

I spent a lifetime in the hospitality industry, it’s all I’ve ever known. Working my way up a corporate ladder from a hostess at a restaurant to bar trainer, and general manager. I wore all the hats; I loved what I did but I wanted a way out of the corporate field. The years of experience built great knowledge and discipline I now invest into owning a business. With a long time, passion to start my own business, I started a mobile bartending company, utilizing an old, rusted horse trailer and turned into a mobile bar, a year into the growth of our business I ended up converting another horse trailer into a bar, and soon after purchased a Citroen HY Van from across seas, had it imported over from England. We now have three mobile bars. The idea behind this venture was to bring an over-the-top experience to weddings and private events. There was a lack of aesthetic and authenticity in the catering and event realm, and after planning my own wedding I decided it was time to bring it to fruition. I wanted to build this business on the foundation of my God given talents, my experiences, and highlighting my passions. Creativity, hospitality, and attention to detail, using these in every shape of this business, from the design of the mobile bars, the experience our guests have working with us, the decor they are styled with for each event, to the hand-crafted signature cocktails that are made from fresh ingredients. A true garden to glass cocktail experience with an aesthetically pleasing mobile bar, isn’t often found at events. I have an incredible team of employees I thank God for, as they are the backbone to this business. Gatherings are a huge thing, bringing people together. What an honor we get to be a part of some of the greatest days of people’s lives! From weddings to corporate parties and intimate birthdays, I truly hope to not only build great memories for our clients but for all their guests as well.

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

I think any small business that has made it through Covid has a story of resilience. From the start of this business, it has been a story of resilience and perseverance. Working one full time job and a side job while building out the foundation of this business didn’t come easy. I took a huge leap of faith and full trust that God had big plans, and as soon as my horse trailer bar was completed, I up and quite both jobs and told myself (and my husband) I was giving this my all. As any small business owner knows the first two years of business your lucky if you personally make anything, as it’s all invested back into the business. Taking a total pay cut I pursued this dream; I worked endless hours to establish our business and get our name out there. The first year in business was a year prior to Covid and it bloomed so quickly! We were fully booked and booked into 2020 filling our entire calendar. This is when we purchased and built our two other bars. Then 2020 came along, an experience nobody saw coming, I learned a lot through this. Postponing 52 events, having dozens completely cancelled, and going months without income or opportunities didn’t come easy, on top of the pandemic, I got pregnant. Balancing having a newborn and postpartum literally in the moment things started picking back up and events were blooming again, reschedules piled on top of one another. There were moments I didn’t know how we would make it through. But I am blessed we not only did but came out stronger with valuable knowledge. Here we are two years later and still standing firm with a full calendar of opportunities and continuous growth.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Knowing your ideal client, hospitality and authenticity are two huge contributing factors that have helped build our reputation in the event industry, both with clients and vendors.

I value the relationships I have built with all the vendors in our industry from photographers, caterers, to venue owners. Our team fully knows the hustle each vendor puts into events, just as we do, and there is a common respect for one another. We are all here for the same purpose, to ensure our clients have a well-executed event and experience. Working as a team with all involved and helping one another when able does not go unnoticed. As I refer vendors I truly feel align with our client’s needs, we have vendors do the same. Word of mouth referrals are huge for us! We value our repeat clients, and clients who refer us to others. Our reviews from past clients speak volumes, but when a potential client calls me and says they heard from multiple vendors about us, I still get goosebumps. It’s a humble experience when you exceed expectations from both the clients and the other vendors involved.

Showing consistency and authenticating your brand will let potential clients know exactly who you are and what to expect. Fully knowing your target market and that not every person is your ideal client is a value. I have worked hard to create a respected brand and business model. There are a lot of bartending companies, but there is only one Tipsy Trotter, knowing what sets us apart and showing up as that each time is what builds our ideal clientele. I know not every client is our client. I have trust that the passion in this business shows through our consistent work, and our ideal clients find value in this. Our team truly loves what they do, I am so grateful for those who work beside me, this leads to well executed expectations. You can have an awesome plan, but without the execution it’s nothing but a plan.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thetipsytrotter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetipsytrotter
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetipsytrotter/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tipsytrotter
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/TheTipsyTrotter/

Image Credits
JenelHerranz Photo Rabecca Cruz Photography Camera Crew Photography Brianna Kim Photography Rad Red Creative Photos by Rissa K Wright Photo