We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Kavulish recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

One of my best friends owns a party planning business, and back when she was just starting out, I would help her with events whenever I could. One night, we were decorating for a close friend’s 50th birthday—a huge milestone. The venue looked incredible: Sparkles and glitter abound, purple and pink decor flowed throughout the room highlighting her ‘Swiftie Bejeweled’ theme. This client had gone all out, setting up a bar with mixers, cups, and garnishes neatly arranged for a self-serve cocktail station.

The plan was to pre-mix everything into large dispensers so guests could pour their own drinks throughout the night. I remember looking at the setup, thinking, *This isn’t going to work.* With nearly 18 years of hospitality experience under my belt, I knew that pre-mixed drinks would quickly lose their flavor and appeal. It wasn’t just about the taste—it was the experience, the moment when someone receives a perfectly crafted drink that’s mixed just for them. I couldn’t let the integrity of the bar go down like that.

So, I rolled up my sleeves and positioned myself behind the bar. At first, people were surprised to see someone making drinks to order, but once word got out, the bar area was packed. Guests loved the personalized touch—customizing their drinks, chatting with me as I worked, and marveling at the fresh garnishes. The atmosphere completely shifted, and suddenly, the bar became the focal point of the night.

By the end of the party, people were raving about the drinks, and the client was over the moon. That night, as the last of the guests left and I wiped down the bar, it hit me: *This is what I was meant to do.* That was the night Benefit Bar was born—and I’ve never looked back.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Vanessa Kavulish, founder of Benefit Bar. With nearly 20 years in Hospitality, I’ve developed a passion for the craft of mixology and the power of creating memorable experiences. For me, it’s about more than just making drinks—it’s about every detail, from perfectly balanced flavors to beautiful garnishes that enhance the presentation. I believe a great drink can elevate an entire event and leave a lasting impression.

We specialize in custom cocktail and mocktail services, tailored to each event’s style and atmosphere. We create fun, thoughtfully crafted mocktails alongside our cocktails, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We also take pride in our commitment to sustainability—composting all materials, using organic, locally-sourced ingredients, and donating a portion of our profits to charity. Supporting local farmers, businesses, and causes is a core part of our mission, as we believe events should not only delight guests but also positively impact the community.

I’ve recently launched a consulting program to help others in the hospitality industry start and scale their own mobile event businesses. The program offers practical tools and guidance, empowering people to create profitable, sustainable brands while pursuing their passion for event service.

What I’m most proud of is the attention to detail and care we put into every event. Guests notice the difference when drinks are crafted with precision and intention. Seeing clients and their guests light up after that first sip never gets old—it’s why I love what I do.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’ve focus on small and intentional growth when it comes to our social media. Most people focus on the virality of it all, because it’s all we see. I’ve learned that when that’s your focus, you end up discouraged or scared to show up. I’ve found post when and when it feels good makes more sense and feels more encouraging to do on a regular basis. We spend so much time on social media these days, so we should be enjoying it.
My advice for others is just do it! Get moving. People appreciate authenticity and enjoy watching you grow and build your business from the ground up. My entire first year in my business cost me nothing in marketing, because I allowed people into Benefit Bar’s world from the moment we emerged. Forget the trends, and just show up!

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

That you have to cut corners to make a profit. I’ve worked for and managed many businesses where the bottom line was the only focus. I’ve even managed and bartended for renowned hospitality groups who pinched pennies behind the scenes to maximize their bonuses.
I had to unlearn that in order to be an eco friendly business who supports local, and to be able to donate money and time to charities. I firmly believe that if we stay aligned with our values at benefit bar and remain willing to spend an extra few dollars, we can deliver unique bespoke experiences to an even greater audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.benefit-bar.com
• Instagram: @benefitbaraz
• Facebook: Benefit Bar AZ

Image Credits

Sharon Curran Photography
Polymath Photo