Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shay Gonzales . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Shay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I have always dreamed of starting my own business and the pandemic gave me the extra push I needed to launch something I’m truly passionate about—a mobile bar. A friend of mine owns a popsicle bike cart she offers for events. I’ve learned so much from her and our many conversations. Too Shay Spirits came to be as a result of those conversations…Pinterest boards, and of course my own industry experience.
Through extensive market research, I discovered that there was a growing trend in personalized and unique event experiences. There are a ton of amazing catering services in Austin; however, I wanted to specialize in beverages only & really create something personal to each & every event.
Our approach is a little different, everything is fully customizable, that is truly the Too Shay Spirits touch! We pride ourselves on paying attention to every little detail of your event. From clever cocktail (or mocktail) names, to our staff dressing to the theme // aesthetic, along with one-of-a-kind drink accessories & fresh florals + bar decor that always tie into the theme and/or aesthetic of each event. Every client is different and we strive to make every moment personal. At the end of the day, creating an unforgettable experience is what gave me the fuel to start this business & I’m so happy I did! When I think about it, what excited me most about this venture was the creative freedom it allowed. Each event presented a new opportunity to design a unique bar setup and menu that perfectly matched the client’s vision. This creativity and customization allows my team & I to create something fun & fresh for every event.
My passion for hospitality and creating memorable experiences for people was a major driving force. The idea of being part of someone’s special occasion and enhancing their experience through a well-curated bar service was incredibly motivating. This passion translated into a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction that my team & I strive for with every event. I’ll be honest, there were and still are days where I question if what we’re doing is working and people love it, but feedback from clients reinforces the belief that this is a worthwhile endeavor. The positive responses and repeated clients validated my concept and provided the momentum needed to grow and expand Too Shay Spirits. Seeing the joy and satisfaction on clients’ faces really is always the best validation & reminder to keep pursuing this passion.
To keep it simple – Too Shay Spirits is an elevated mobile bar, offering a variety of packages that include craft cocktails, genuine hospitality, gorgeous aesthetic and charming customization. Life’s too short to drink basic cocktails, so we’re here to help level up every private party, brand activation, & wedding!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Shay, the owner of Too Shay Spirits, an elevated mobile bar in Austin, TX.
I started in the service industry when I was just 16-years-old, working as a hostess at a steakhouse in San Diego, California. Since then, I’ve spent 10+ years working my way up in the industry, learning the skills I needed to be a memorable and polished server and bartender. I’ve done every job you can think of, from slinging beverages at fast-paced college bars, to serving at fine dining restaurants, each experience shaping my hospitality perspective. There is no greater feeling than creating an unforgettable experience for guests. Sure, the food can be amazing, drinks can taste incredible, ambience can be on point, but the service always stands out. Creating an everlasting memory is what fuels me.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Too Shay Spirits started as a side hustle, like most of these incredible other small business owners. The goal when starting the business was to eventually go full time but knew that would definitely take some time to build a roster of repeated clients, be a trusted service in Austin, grow a social following, & most importantly have a consistent flow of events each and every month.
I was a full time server at Aba, a Mediterranean restaurant with a California influence in Austin, working 5-6 days a week serving and bartending. When I first started Too Shay Spirits I would tell everyone, every guest I interacted with, I would share my vision with them – I’m big on manifesting and really speaking things into reality!
It started off with me requesting 1-2 days off during the month for an event. Fast forward to a year into my business, eventually I went from having 1 – 2 events per month to consistently 8 events. As my business began to grow, I started to feel the pressure of having to divide my time and energy wisely, more strategically. I would wake up earlier to answer emails, have calls with clients, send proposal, and prep for events (ie. dehydrating citrus, shopping for supplies & making scratch-syrups) and then head to my night shift at the restaurant. After a year into my business I started journaling about what it would feel like & look like to be full time with Too Shay Spirits & put it on a vision board. The events continued to grow each month and I went from 8 consistent events a month to 11-13 events a month consistently. I went from working full time at a restaurant, 5-6 days a week to working maybe 10 shifts out of the month along with hiring 6 bartenders to help with all of the events we had secured. And after months of talking things through with my fiance I knew it was time to give my small business my full undivided attention, it deserved all of my energy. I took the big jump in May, still adjusting to being my own full time boss but it’s been such a beautiful emotional journey. There’s a lot of pressure to perform but to me, there really is no better feeling than betting on yourself!! If there’s any advice I can give, it’s to fully trust in yourself & your vision. Go with your gut, it never leads you in the wrong direction!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been a multifaceted approach that truly combines social media marketing, above & beyond customer service, and putting our unique finishes on each and every event.
Firstly, word-of-mouth referrals have been crucial! We focus on providing an exceptional experience at every event, which naturally leads to satisfied clients who are eager to recommend us to their friends and family. This really is like a snowball effect, we are so grateful to each and every one of our clients who share our services with their friends or write a review for us, it means the world to us! Personalized touches, such as custom drink menus and attentive service, ensure our clients feel valued and appreciated.
Secondly, social media, Instagram in particular, has been instrumental for our business. We regularly post high-quality photos and videos of our events, showcasing our over-the-top crafted cocktails and the fun atmosphere we create. We also try our best to engage with our followers through stories, polls (would you rather drink this or that, etc.), and share cocktail recipes, which I think helps build a loyal community.
Lastly, being able to adapt to any theme or event request really sets us apart from the competition. From a 1940’s Christmas Party for Kendra Scott, to an 1,000 corporate event (our biggest event so far!), Hallie & Parker McCollum’s baby shower, & a Breakfast at Tiffany’s 1st birthday party, these creative concepts have generated interest & overall excitement, attracting more clients who are looking for something truly unique & memorable.
By combining these strategies, we’ve been able to build a strong and growing client base that continues to choose our mobile bar service for their special occasions, and I’m forever grateful for it!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tooshayspirits/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tooshayspirits
Image Credits
Photography by the following –
Monica Reyes: https://www.instagram.com/monicadaniellereyes/
Images of the aperol spritz
Esther Makau: https://www.instagram.com/esthermakauphotography/
Images of purple cocktail
Sarah Tribett: https://www.instagram.com/sarahtribettphoto/
Image of Shay with hat & cocktails
Keelyn Costello: https://www.instagram.com/keelyncostellomedia/