Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Gonzales.
Shay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m 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, ambiance can be on point, but the service always stands out. Creating an everlasting memory is what fuels me.
I have always dreamed of starting my own cocktail business and the pandemic gave me the extra push I needed to launch something I’m truly passionate about—a mobile bar. My best friend’s sister owns a popsicle shop in Orange County called Pacific Organic Pops. She also has a mobile version—a bike cart—that 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.
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 birthday party, corporate happy hour or wedding!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Yes and no—LOL! I believe in manifesting, visualizing and speaking things into reality. I have talked about owning a mobile bar for the last five years, and with the extra push from the pandemic and the right people supporting me, Too Shay Spirits almost fell into place on its own. It’s WILD. I often pinch myself that this is all happening, and for that, I feel forever grateful!
However, I have faced the usual challenges of owning a small business, as I’m sure many other small business owners have. My mornings are filled with watching tutorials on how to draft contracts for clients and use tools like Quickbooks. I also spend time researching and developing different types of cocktails (no complaints here, haha), developing my website, and for now, doing my other full-time job. To say I wish there was more time in the day is an understatement. With that said, the biggest challenge so far is making the decision to launch a mobile bar when there are so many other amazing mobile bar concepts out there. The competition often makes me second guess myself, so I make efforts to check in and remind myself that I was made for this. I was put on this earth to make people feel seen, heard, and to provide them with an unforgettable event. It gives me the drive and motivation to keep moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Think of a cute push cart that serves your favorite cocktails and mocktails and can conveniently be set up anywhere, anytime. We love customization. Some of my favorite moments bartending are when guests give me two words to describe a cocktail and then I take off. It gets my creativity flowing.
In the few short months since developing Too Shay Spirits, I had the opportunity to provide libations for Kendra Scott’s Easter party. It was such an honor to showcase my business for one of Austin’s most successful women entrepreneurs. My goal is to keep the momentum going and to be Austin’s go-to when in need of a bar service.
We’re different because not only do we make delicious cocktails, we offer full customization so that each client gets the exact experience they’re hoping for plus more—along with the most charming aesthetic. It’s all in the details for us and we handle it all, everything from custom dried floral arrangements to dainty bottles and glassware.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am extremely lucky to have my best friend’s older sister, Sarah Elliott, as my mentor. She has supported me every step of the way: creating a logo, helping me develop the color scheme, tagline, pricing, overall aesthetic, and everything else in between. I think every small business owner needs a mentor or some kind of support system.
At the end of the day, networking is also key. It’s just me at Too Shay Spirits, so any opportunity to discuss my business is a win for me. You never know who you are going to meet in Austin, so always be open to sharing what you’re passionate about if given the opportunity. Since I still work at a restaurant five days a week, I use those days to connect with guests and share what I do. People are always throwing events!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tooshayspirits/
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Image Credits
Chez (DJ Ferno) Bingham
