We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shamika Johnson . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shamika below.

Shamika , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

A trip to the movies in 2017, LOL My son was graduating from elementary school and around this time some movies theaters were adding bars. I was intrigued, so I asked to speak with the manager. The manager informed me they were hiring, no experience needed and they would train in house….2 weeks later, I became a certified bartender. I stayed with them for 1 year. I was ready for a more fast paced environment and more money. In this world of social media, one day as I was scrolling I came across a hiring ad for a popular bar/lounge in West Baltimore County. I was hired on the spot!! This was waaaaaay different from the movie theater. It was very challenging in the beginning, however, once I gained more confidence, I started to build a clientele that would faithfully come to visit weekly.

In September 2018 I met another bartender and we begin chatting about her mobile bartending services. Once again I was intrigued and I wanted to learn more. We exchanged numbers and one month later I worked my 1st mobile bartending event and I fell in love. For about a year, I worked both the mobile services and the lounge on top of my full time job in Healthcare administration……And then came COVID…..When the world opened again the bar/lounge scene had drastically changed and business was very slow. While trying to figure out how to make extra money, my friends suggested I start my own mobile bartending service. In the beginning I was very hesitant and fearful…I didn’t know anything about starting a business. So I did my research and in March 2021 I took a leap of faith and Vibez Mobile Bartending Services was created. Over the last almost 3 years I have met some amazing people and repeat clients.

Shamika , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Born and raised on the Westside of Baltimore City, I learned the true definition of grinding at a very young age. I started working at the age of 14 and at 42 years old I pride my self on my work ethic and grind. I’ve had a lot of jobs over the years but none that gave me life like bartending. Hospitality runs deep in my blood. Growing up watching the women in my family coming together and just pure joy serving family and friends for the weekend gatherings. It only made sense for me to offer customers and their guests that same hospitality I witnessed growing up.

When I started my business in 2021 my main objective has been to take the worry out of having an event. We currently offer tailored bartending experience, but starting Fall of 2024 we plan to roll out catering/waitstaff services, Dj/Emcee services and luxury furniture rental. We want to be our customers one stop shop. Shopping around for vendors can be a headache, here at Vibez’ MBS our goal is take the burden of planning an event from the host, so they can enjoy their beautiful event with their guests.

Everyday I’m learning, living and loving. No one knows it all and your never too old to learn. Every chance I get I sign up for business webinars or bartender workshops. Knowledge is the key ingredient for a successful business. When I first started I thought just knowing how to bartend was enough. I soon realized I was a fool lol. With minimal training and no business background I was doomed, until I realized I could not establish a successful business if I omitted the most important parts. Every week you can find me in business webinar or bartender workshop. I recently became a certified T.I.P.S trainer, I now can offer alcohol awareness training to bartenders, restaurants/club owners and staff members.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for us has been fron referrals. Most of our 2024 clients have attended other events we bartended and enjoyed our customer service and of course our amazing signature cocktails. We have been overwhelmed with the love our pervious guests/clients have shown us. Creating content is definitely a major key to get customers attention, but the unique experience you give a potential customer is a lasting impression. You are a walking billboard for your business, always make sure you bring your A game, you could be serving a potential client.

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

This journey has been a roller coaster and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Becoming a small business owner has revealed some traits in me I never knew existed. I’ve been pushed to the limit not just physically but also financially. Just when I think, this is too much what was I thinking, the most exciting and rewarding things happen. Whether it’s being booked for the most beautiful wedding or watching a 70 year dance the night away at their birthday party. No matter how hard it gets at times, I’m honored that Vibez’ gets to be apart of those special moments. That’s what keeps us pushing to be the best, so Vibez’ can aways be apart of those moments.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vibezmbs.online
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/vibez_mbs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vibezmbs/
• Linkedin: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/Shamika-Johnson-b263086a
• Yelp: yelp.com/search?find_desc=vibez+mobile+bartending+service
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Professional photos by: Isaiah Forman IG: zayvisions_