Today we’d like to introduce you to Saranya Hubbard.
Hi Saranya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m from Bangkok, Thailand. I learnt how to bartend in Japanese bartending style in Bangkok since 2017.
Moved to Kansas City in 2020. Me and my husband want to open a Japanese bartending style in Kansas City. We shared a dream of bringing the Japanese bartending experience to Kansas City where we are living.
Today, that dream has become Moon Bar—a space where we combine Japanese bartending techniques with Asian flavors, thoughtful hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere. Alongside Moon Bar, we also created Tian Tea House, allowing us to share our passion for tea and cocktails under one roof. Every drink we serve reflects our journey, our culture, and our commitment to creating memorable experiences for our guests.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
As a small business owner, building our own business from the ground up has been one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever taken on. We didn’t have a large budget, so every step required creativity, hard work, and a lot of learning. We were incredibly fortunate to have talented friends, supportive family, and even the residents of Columbus Park who believed in our vision. Their encouragement and generosity gave us the confidence to keep going, and it’s the warmest support we’ve ever experienced.
Creating a space with soul isn’t easy, especially when resources are limited, but we were determined to make it happen. Along the way, we also had to navigate permits, regulations, licenses, and paperwork that were completely new to us. Learning everything as first-time business owners took patience and persistence.
One of the hardest lessons was realizing that not everyone would support our dream. We learned to stay focused on the people who believed in us, avoid unnecessary negativity, and keep moving forward. Looking back, every challenge helped shape Moon Bar into what it is today, and it made us appreciate every guest who walks through our doors.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We specialize in Japanese bartending, where precision, craftsmanship, and hospitality come together in every drink we serve. Our cocktails are inspired by Asian ingredients, teas, seasonal produce, and traditional techniques, including hand-cutting ice and carefully preparing each cocktail with intention. We believe that making a drink is more than following a recipe—it’s about creating an experience for every guest.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just what we serve, but the people behind it. I’m incredibly proud of our team and especially my husband, who believed in this dream from the very beginning. Building Moon Bar has been a true team effort, and everyone has contributed their passion, and hard work to make it what it is today.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and hospitality. We don’t simply make cocktails—we introduce guests to Japanese bartending culture while celebrating Asian flavors in a way that feels approachable and welcoming. We don’t try to rely on overly innovative or rare, expensive ingredients; instead, we focus on simple flavors and creativity. Every detail, from the ingredients to the service, is thoughtfully considered so that each visit feels memorable.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Go to the businesses that inspire you. Support them by enjoying their products and services, build genuine relationships, ask questions, and never stop learning. Put yourself in the environment you want to grow into, because the people and places around you will shape who you become.
Don’t be afraid to start from the bottom. Learn every part of the system before trying to lead it. Take notes, keep moving, try new ideas, compare different approaches, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Every experience, whether it succeeds or fails, teaches you something valuable.
Most importantly, don’t rush. Good things take time. Stay humble, be patient, and keep your ego in check. Confidence is important, but humility is what allows you to keep learning. I believe that staying curious and respecting the people who came before you will open more doors than trying to prove yourself ever will.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moonbarkc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonbar.kc/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonbar.kc/
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Moon+Bar+KC/@39.1102386,-94.5754961,721m/
