We were lucky to catch up with Miranda Underwood recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Miranda, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk I have ever taken in my life is betting on myself.

Launching Cloud Nine Bartending, LLC wasn’t just about starting a business; it was a transformative journey from a place of deep personal struggle to discovering a new sense of purpose and fulfillment.

After experiencing postpartum depression and grappling with major life decisions, finding that perfect idea felt like the stars finally aligned. I still remember the electrifying mix of excitement and terror the day I made it official. Filing for my LLC, the action felt monumental, like stepping into a vast, unknown territory armed with nothing but hope and the determination to make it work. A feeling that seemed so unfamiliar. But Cloud Nine was more than just a business venture; it symbolized a leap of faith—faith in the idea, certainly, but more so in myself.

The name Cloud Nine reflected not just the business’s objective to elevate events to a state of elation and happiness but also mirrored my personal journey toward finding joy and purpose again. Every aspect of starting and running Cloud Nine has been an embodiment of reaching for that elusive state of bliss after a challenging period. Transitioning from social work to mobile bartending was a drastic shift, but my background in service and event coordination became unexpectedly relevant. The skills I had honed over the years in understanding people, managing stressful situations, and coordinating complex tasks provided a strong foundation for my new role. The decision to embark on this journey wasn’t made lightly; it was the culmination of weeks of introspection about what I wanted my life and work to look like, especially in consideration of my young family.

Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood has presented its unique challenges and rewards. There’s a kind of alchemy in juggling the unpredictability of running a new business with the demands of parenting. Some days, the balance leans more heavily towards one side, but the flexibility of managing my own business has been invaluable. It’s allowed me to be present for my children in ways I wouldn’t have been able to if I had stayed in a more traditional role.

The early days were met with many doubts and hurdles. Navigating a business through a pandemic was anything but straightforward, with constantly changing restrictions and the inherent risks of gathering. However, focusing on smaller, more intimate events allowed Cloud Nine to thrive in a landscape where people were craving connections and celebrations that felt safe yet special. Since those early days, the business has grown in ways I could have hardly imagined. Each event, each satisfied client, feels like a reaffirmation of that initial decision to bet on myself.

The journey hasn’t been without its bumps, but the successes—both big and small—serve as milestones that keep me pushing forward. Looking back, the leap into entrepreneurship with Cloud Nine Bartending, LLC, has been about so much more than starting a business. It’s been about reclaiming my identity and carving out a new path that allows for the fulfillment of my professional ambitions and the flexibility to be the mother I want to be. It’s a constant balancing act, but on the tough days, I remind myself of that night after the wedding, when the idea of Cloud Nine first sparked to life—a reminder that sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding journeys.

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

Hi. Hello.

I am the Owner-Operator of Cloud Nine Bartending, offering mobile bartending services to the Metro Detroit area and we are also available for travel. We strive to make your events memorable through our unwavering commitment to excellence, personalized services, and stylish presentation.

I am a Midwest gal whose passion for people is at the core of everything I do. I want to make each interaction deeply personal and comforting, akin to calling up a long-time best friend – personal touch and genuine care for clients’ experiences. Moreover, growing a business with a positive working environment and living wage for staff, creating a dedicated and experienced team that I hold close to my heart.

My background in social work and the food and beverage industry allows me to ensure every event Cloud Nine is part of is not just successful but meaningful. My journey into events is rooted in my love for bringing people together and creating moments that last a lifetime. I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of community and the magic of gatherings in nurturing relationships and making cherished memories.

Whether you’re planning a dream wedding, a pivotal corporate event, or any celebration that marks a special occasion, we’re here to ensure the beverage aspect of your event is nothing short of perfect. Our core mission is to liberate our clients from the concerns of managing the bar so that their focus remains on savoring every moment of their celebration. We take pride in our ability to bring your vision to life, with an assurance that every detail will be managed with precision and grace.

At the heart of Cloud Nine Bartending is our passion for crafting cocktails and mocktails that resonate. Our creations are not only innovative and appealing but are also deeply meaningful and crafted with the highest quality of fresh, local ingredients. Our expertise extends to developing bespoke drinks that add a personal touch to your event, from sourcing blueberries from a city meaningful to our clients to orchestrating signature cocktail tastings that make planning your event an absolute delight.

Our team; noted for their warmth, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail, ensures an atmosphere of ease, comfort, and trust. We understand the myriad of stressors that come with event planning, which is why we adopt a comprehensive planning approach, aimed at minimizing your stress and maximizing your enjoyment.

The relationship we build with our clients is the cornerstone of our success, a sentiment reflected in the numerous handwritten thank-you notes and holiday cards that adorn our walls. Each one stands as a testament to the deep connections we foster and the memorable experiences we help create.

Cloud Nine Bartending isn’t just about serving drinks. It’s about elevating your event with an unforgettable service that mirrors the uniqueness of your celebration. Our dedication to making your event seamless, fun, and reflective of your personal style, ensures that your bar service will be talked about long after the last glass is raised.

Cloud Nine Bartending has also expanded our services now offering event staffing, event management, and mixology workshops. We cannot wait to help you with every aspect of your next event!

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

My deep-seated passion for the events industry and interpersonal connections has been pivotal in shaping my reputation. I am committed to each event and client, cherishing the relationships built with vendors and especially valuing the support we extend to local, women-owned small businesses. Working alongside these incredible vendors feels like finding my true calling, an experience I deeply honor.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I learned the importance of relinquishing perfectionism and accepting the natural pace of business growth, acknowledging that trial and error are part of the process, and understanding the necessity of seeking help and delegating tasks for sustainable operation. We aren’t weak just because we can’t wear all the hats.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cloudninebartending.com
• Instagram: @cloudninebartending
• Facebook: @cloudninebartending
• Other: Tik Tok: @cloudninebartending

Image Credits
Tilly & Tuck Photography Louis & Co. Traveling Bars Floral & Flame