Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Boston.
Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been in the service industry since I was 18- working my way through school at a fine dining steakhouse in Wichita. I have a degree in musical theatre but could never quite shake the hospitality bug, much to the chagrin of my parents! I worked my way through fine dining, breakfast joints, dive bars, you name it.
I landed a dream job in 2018 overseeing all of the Front of House operations at a local theater- working with companies like Quixotic to build bar programs that supported their event vision, tailored to each specific entertainment show or fundraiser. Covid saw me furloughed and that position no longer available to me, and I was incredibly lost. I always wanted an event space of my own, always wanted to get back to designing specific bar experiences for clients and patrons. After the birth of my son I felt even more lost- I had this varied and incredible career, so many skills I felt like weren’t getting put to any use, and wanted to make a legacy for my family, one that I had control over. I didn’t have the funds for a big mobile trailer or anything like that and didn’t know how to move forward.
I was bartending at a country club at the time and was asked to do a private party at a member’s residence. I had a BLAST and remember looking around and saying…this is something people want, and need! Someone to come into an event of any size, customize the beverage service to lift UP the event and take care of every detail, fitting in seamlessly to what the event vision is. 16 days later, I had formed my LLC. Three months after that, I got my KS Liquor License and never looked back.
I started the company with funds from my late grandmother Patsy (hence the name!). She was the self dubbed Queen Mother of our family and was absolutely FABULOUS- floating through life with purple hair, a wicked sense of humor, and the ability to make any gathering an EVENT. She would be thrilled to know her name brings so much joy to so many.
This is my third year in business and I have learned so much- about all different kinds of clients, how to run my business ethically and correctly, and have even started hiring full time team members! It is the honor of my life to be able to provide clients with the beverage service they deserve, and provide my team with employment that supports their work life balance and is something they can be proud of.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth ride- but it sure has been fun! Our team has morphed and changed and grown. I’ve struggled with how to fully stop other kinds of work to fully commit to Patsy and be able to support my family. It’s been interesting being a young(ish!) woman in business and what it takes to be taken seriously, even if my credentials are superb. Figuring out how to be a friend and a wife and a mom while growing a business…woof! There’s nothing that will test your personal development like starting a business!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At our core- we are a mobile beverage service. Our aim is to create unforgettable, highly personalized event experiences where guests feel genuinely cared for, entertained, and celebrated- with hospitality that goes far beyond pouring drinks. We specialize in customization, not only with our packaging but with details like decor, theming, matching the right staff member to your event, even attire! We believe in the Celebration- the party and our clients are the point and why we exist. Drinks- alcoholic or not- are just one element of the experience. We strive to continuously evolve alongside our clients- we adjust and adapt based on their needs, not ours!
We offer everything from inclusive packages where you don’t lift a finger, to build your own options. Basically, we’ll take anything off your plate that you’ll let us! Custom menus, shopping lists (when applicable), specialized garnishes- every event is unique and there is nothing cookie cutter about how we prepare for celebrations.
Another thing that sets us apart is that we don’t hire any staff members that haven’t worked in restaurants before. We do that for a million reasons- but most importantly: there is a special gene that exists inside restaurant people. We get genuine JOY out of the service, and find honor in being a part of some of the most important celebrations in our clients lives! The biggest compliments I get are about our staff and their attention to service and detail.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I don’t know how to fail. And I don’t mean that in a narcissistic way at all- it’s just that if there’s adversity on the table, it just doesn’t occur to me to quit. I just….figure it out! I like to surround myself with people smarter than me and learn from them. I believe people are the bedrock of any successful business and that it’s my job to provide them with the tools and mentorship for success. I say yes even when something scares me, and I teach myself as I go. I believe we are a collection of the experiences we’ve had and the people we meet, and that there’s room for all of us at the table.
Pricing:
- $450 Minimum
- For inclusive events- product is priced at $19-$29/guest based on menu needs
- For Dry Hires- add ons (like ice, cups, mixers) can be added starting at $1/guest
- Signature Hosts and Event Staff are available for support: including anything from cocktail service to making sure you go to bed with a clean kitchen and loaded dishwasher.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.patsybyrd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patsybyrdbar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581950472738
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patsybyrdllc/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
Jenny Jolley Photography, SLD Photography, Photography by Jo
