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

Lala, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The risk I took was starting my business. The idea was pitched to me, and I thought it was crazy and wild that someone wanted to entrust me to take over such a legacy. I have never owned a business before but I had a lot of experience in the service industry . I pitched the idea to my husband, and he, as well as I were skeptical. I told him I knew it was a risk but I had to try. Try to create financial security and generational wealth for our family. I promised I would do everything and asked him to trust me, and he did. Every inch of my business is me. From the first phone call to the end of the event you get me. A fun, loving, bubbly, well oiled machine. The risk I took can never out weigh the reward I’m receiving.

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

My name is Lala, and I grew up in Riverside, CA, dreaming of a more peaceful and prosperous life. This dream became a reality 14 years ago when I moved to the Central Coast. I got my first job as a server and felt like I had found my purpose. That first job led me to other jobs and training, which eventually led me to the Events industry. I didn’t know it at the time, but this opportunity would change my life! I quickly moved into catering, which I absolutely loved. Being a part of someone’s most magical day was special and exciting. I quickly became lead server and knew this was the industry I wanted to specialize in. When given the opportunity to learn bartending from a friend of mine, I jumped at the chance to expand my skill set. I began as a barback, however I quickly moved up to lead bartender. When she offered to sell her bartending business to me, I was totally perplexed and caught off guard, but I knew it was my moment to shine.

As a granddaughter of a Mexican-American immigrant, I knew I wanted to follow in his entrepreneurial footsteps and create a legacy for my family and friends to be proud of. This journey is not only for me and my family, but for everyone who has believed in me. I put myself, and my personality into every event; from organic farm fresh citrus, to the house made mixers, and everything in between.

In a nutshell, I’m your average 38-year-old, middle class, mom of 2 wonderful sons trying to make my dreams come true one cocktail at a time! This is just the beginning of my story, and I can’t wait to see how the rest unfolds.

Any advice for managing a team?

I always communicate with my team. I always have a direct plan and make sure my team is aware of the plan. I make sure there is no confusion on their roles for the night. I do team meetings before every event and give positive affirmations through out the event. I treat them the way I would want my boss to treat me. You have to remember, your only as strong as your team. So my advice would be communication! That is the key component for maintaining high moral and managing a team.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Me! I have realized over the years that I am a special type of person that puts so much love, compassion, and understanding In to everything I do . I want my client’s to feel like family when they book with me,. My Clients are a part of every step of the planning process, from personalized tastings and custom menus tailored to each event. We discuss, we plan, and we execute to a standard of Pourfection!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pourfectionmobilebartenders.com
• Instagram: @pourfection805
• Facebook: pourfection mobile barteners
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/pourfection-mobile-bartenders-arroyo-grande-8