We were lucky to catch up with Paul Mago And Sergio Morales recently and have shared our conversation below.
Paul Mago and Sergio Morales, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Flânerie began as an idea that grew out of an unforgettable event. Sergio and I had been working together at a 40th birthday party for a friend of a friend where Sergio was bartending and I had helped develop the cocktail menu and bar back. The atmosphere that night was electric—Sergio’s craft and charm behind the bar captivated everyone, and the signature drinks added an unmistakable touch of sophistication. As the night unfolded, we couldn’t help but notice how much joy and connection a great bar experience could create.
Later, while reflecting on the event, we started asking each other: What if we built something together? Not just any bar service, but something that combined our skills, values, and shared vision. What if we created a mobile bar experience that brought people together in a way that was refined, intentional, and uniquely us? That night, the seed for Flânerie was planted.
The First Steps: From Idea to Concept
The next day, we sat down to map out what this could look like. We imagined a mobile bar that felt more like a boutique experience—crafted cocktails, intentional design, and an easygoing yet elevated vibe. Drawing on Sergio’s years of bartending experience and my background in business operations and finance, we started shaping our vision. We didn’t just want to serve drinks; we wanted to create memorable experiences that felt authentic and stylish, with a little San Diego charm.
Starting Small: Testing the Idea
With that vision in mind, we took our first step: buying a $50 pallet bar off OfferUp to test the concept at private events. These early gatherings were our testing ground—places where we could experiment with drink menus, refine our workflow, and see how people responded. Each event taught us something new and strengthened our confidence in the idea.
Building the Brand
From the start, we knew we needed a clear identity. Flânerie, inspired by the French idea of savoring life’s simple pleasures, felt like the perfect name to encapsulate our vision. We also wanted to ensure our business reflected our shared values of connection, creativity, and sustainability. Our target market naturally emerged—San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community, specifically people who value authenticity, quality, and aesthetics.
Structuring and Scaling
As the concept gained momentum, we made it official by forming Flânerie LLC. Structuring the business was a key step in moving from an idea to a real venture. We divided responsibilities based on our strengths: Sergio, with his passion for craft cocktails and sustainability, took the lead on product development and bartending, while I focused on operations, marketing, and the big-picture strategy.
The Horse Trailer Transformation
We knew that to stand out, we needed more than just great drinks—we needed a centerpiece. That’s when we decided to invest in a horse trailer and transform it into our mobile bar. It wasn’t an easy project—every weekend was dedicated to painting, renovating, and customizing the trailer to reflect Flânerie’s aesthetic. But as we saw it take shape, it became more than just a functional bar; it became a symbol of our creativity and hard work.
Launching with Purpose
With the trailer completed and our business plan in place, we officially launched Flânerie, focusing on private events and curated experiences. Each event brought new challenges and opportunities, helping us refine our services and grow our reputation.
Looking back, the process of turning an idea into a business was as much about the journey as the destination.
Flânerie grew from shared conversations, hard work, and a deep belief in the power of connection. It’s more than a business; it’s a reflection of who we are and what we love to create together.
Paul Mago and Sergio Morales, 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?
Flânerie is the product of passion, collaboration, and a love for creating unforgettable moments. Sergio and I, Paul, are the co-founders of this unique mobile bar business based in San Diego. We come from diverse backgrounds that surprisingly complement each other: Sergio is an environmental scientist with a deep love for sustainability and over five years of bartending experience in Washington, D.C., while I’m a business intelligence developer with a knack for operations and creative problem-solving. Together, we’ve built Flânerie as a reflection of who we are and the values we hold close.
How We Got Into This Business
Our journey into the mobile bar industry began organically. Sergio had been bartending at events on the side, and I often helped design cocktail menus and manage logistics. One night, while working together at a 40th birthday party, we saw firsthand the joy that comes from a thoughtfully curated bar experience. It wasn’t just about the drinks—it was about creating an atmosphere where people felt connected and cared for. That realization sparked the idea for Flânerie.
Drawing on Sergio’s expertise in crafting innovative cocktails and my background in operations and design, we combined our skills to create a mobile bar business that feels as effortless as it is elevated. The name “Flânerie” comes from the French concept of leisurely strolling and savoring life—a perfect representation of the vibe we want to create for our clients.
What We Offer
At Flânerie, we specialize in providing premium mobile bar services for private events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. But we’re not just about pouring drinks—we’re about creating a bespoke experience that reflects the personality and style of each event.Our services include:
• Custom Cocktail Menus:
Sergio uses his creativity and knowledge to craft drinks that are unique, delicious, and perfectly tailored to the event.
•Sustainability-Focused Practices:
From eco-friendly garnishes to minimizing waste, we prioritize practices that are good for the planet.
•A Beautifully Designed Mobile Bar:
Our renovated horse trailer isn’t just functional; it’s a conversation piece that adds charm and elegance to any event.
We solve the problem of generic, forgettable bar services by offering something that’s personal, stylish, and memorable. Our clients trust us to elevate their events and bring their vision to life.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes Flânerie different is the intentionality behind everything we do. We don’t just show up to serve drinks; we create moments of connection and delight. Our clients often tell us they’ve never experienced a mobile bar that feels so effortless yet so tailored to their needs.
•Personal Touch:
Sergio and I are involved in every event, ensuring that the experience is as seamless as it is special.
•San Diego Vibes:
We bring a laid-back yet sophisticated energy that resonates with our local community.
•Commitment to Quality:
Every detail matters, from the ingredients we use to the design of our bar setup.
What We’re Most Proud Of
One of our proudest accomplishments has been building Flânerie from the ground up. Starting with a $50 pallet bar and growing into a fully renovated horse trailer is a testament to our creativity, resourcefulness, and hard work. But more than that, we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built—with clients, vendors, and our community. Each event we do feels like an opportunity to share a little bit of ourselves and bring people closer together.
What We Want You to Know
Flânerie isn’t just a mobile bar—it’s an experience. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, hosting a corporate event, or just gathering with friends, we’re here to make your event unforgettable. We believe in the power of great drinks, great vibes, and great company—and we’d love the chance to share that with you
How’d you meet your business partner?
Sergio and I met through F45, thanks to our mutual friend Nathan. Nathan was my fitness coach and a surfing buddy of Sergio’s. Nathan introduced me to surfing and invited Sergio to join us as well, that’s where Sergio and I really connected. Over time, Sergio launched San Diego Gay Surf, and our LGBTQ+ surf community grew. Our shared love for adventure and creating meaningful connections naturally led us to build Flânerie together.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
We funded our business primarily through bootstrapping. We relied on our personal savings to cover the initial costs, which were relatively low. To minimize expenses, we leveraged sweat equity—handling everything ourselves, from marketing and book keeping to the labor-intensive work of building our mobile bar. We also used our own vehicles to keep logistics simple and cost-effective.
We were fortunate to have incredible support from friends who contributed their skills and talents such as photography, design, modeling, and barbacking, to help us get off the ground. This collaborative, hands-on approach not only kept costs manageable but also created a strong sense of community around our business from day one.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flaneriebar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanerie_bar?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
