Today we’d like to introduce you to Millie Clark.
Hi Millie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an entrepreneur and the founder of The Social Butterfly ATX is one shaped by a unique blend of discipline, tenacity, and an unbridled passion for bringing people together. We specialize in boutique bartending services for mid-sized events, crafting unforgettable experiences for backyard weddings, milestone birthdays, and epic pool parties right here in Austin.
Our signature approach is our Signature Sip Service, an unwavering commitment to detail that elevates every drink. We meticulously craft every element in-house—from freshly squeezed juices to specialty syrups and dehydrated garnishes. This hands-on process is what truly sets us apart and ensures every event we touch is exceptional.
What truly differentiates my work is the diverse experience I bring to the table. While my career has been rooted in hospitality, from a bar manager to a director of communications, I also rely on skills from an unexpected place: my time as a research assistant at UT. That role taught me invaluable lessons in time management and managing a high volume of information—skills that are critical for flawlessly executing an event.
Beyond my career, I’m most proud of the work I’ve done within the Austin community. During my time at a prominent brewery, I focused on community relations and charitable giving. One of my most rewarding projects was connecting the grassroots organization DAWA to the Hell Yes Project, which has resulted in ongoing contributions that support Austin’s BIPOC community. This experience cemented my belief in the power of using my business to make a positive impact.
Looking back, it’s clear my journey was influenced by my childhood. I was a study in contrasts. On one hand, I was intensely disciplined—a trait I credit entirely to my time with horses. Most of my free time was spent riding competitively, learning the importance of full commitment and seeing a task through to fruition. On the other hand, my grade-school teachers might have a different story to tell. I was known for being quite boisterous and needing “more self control.” Jokes on them, because that same outgoing nature that got me into trouble in the third grade has been my greatest asset in adulthood, helping me connect with people from all walks of life.
Of course, the road to entrepreneurship is never without its challenges. Launching The Social Butterfly ATX has been a masterclass in adaptability and resilience. I’ve had to navigate everything from being ghosted by a marketing firm to the steep learning curve of building a website from scratch. But each setback has been a valuable teacher, forcing me to dig deeper and find creative solutions. It’s a journey that has shown me that true entrepreneurship isn’t just about a great idea—it’s about the grit and determination to handle the chaos and keep moving forward.
My story has also been driven by necessity and desire to control my own life and schedule. After a disappointing job experience in May of 2024, I vowed never to be treated poorly again. Which is when I discovered brand ambassador work. That led to other opportunities that then led me to start The Social Butterfly.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting The Social Butterfly ATX has been a masterclass in adaptability. Launching a new business is a constant exercise in managing the unexpected. I’ve faced the frustrations of being ghosted by a potential marketing partner and the steep learning curve of building a website entirely on my own. But these moments of frustration have also been my most valuable teachers. Every ‘no’ and every roadblock has forced me to dig deeper, rely on my own skills, and find creative solutions. This journey has shown me that true entrepreneurship isn’t just about a great idea—it’s about the grit and determination to handle the chaos and keep moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an entrepreneur and the founder of The Social Butterfly ATX, a boutique event bartending service. We specialize in bringing the bar to life at mid-sized events like backyard weddings and milestone birthdays. We don’t just pour drinks; we create an unforgettable experience with our Signature Sip Service. We meticulously craft every detail, from squeezing our own fresh juices to making specialty syrups and dehydrating our own garnishes. It’s this hands-on, from-scratch approach that elevates an event from great to extraordinary.
My professional journey is what truly differentiates my service. While I’ve spent years honing my skills as a bar manager, event manager, and more, some of the most critical skills I use today came from an unexpected place: a research lab at UT. That job taught me how to manage time under pressure and keep a vast amount of information organized—perfect for ensuring every event we run is seamless.
Beyond the bar, I’m most proud of a project from my time working at a prominent brewery. I had the privilege of focusing on community relations and connecting with local organizations. One of my final projects was introducing the grassroots organization DAWA to the Hell Yes Project. That introduction led to a partnership that provides ongoing support to the BIPOC community in Austin. It’s a reminder that a well-placed connection can have a lasting positive impact.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a study in contrasts. On one hand, I was intensely disciplined—a trait I credit entirely to my time with horses. Most of my free time was spent riding competitively and participating in events with The United States Pony Club. Being around horses taught me the importance of full commitment and seeing a task through to fruition, no matter how challenging.
On the other hand, my grade-school teachers might have a different story to tell. I was known for being quite boisterous, often getting comments like ‘needs more self control’ on my report cards. Jokes on them, because that same outgoing nature that got me into trouble in the third grade has been my greatest asset in adulthood. It’s that boisterous energy that’s taken me on one hell of a journey and helped me connect with people from all walks of life—a skill that’s absolutely vital in the world of hospitality
Pricing:
- Packages start at $900 for 4 hours of service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.socialbutterflyatx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialbutterflymb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575803507207
