Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Franklin
Hi Molly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi,
I’m Molly, I appreciate the opportunity to be interviewed! I’ve been working in the restaurant industry for close to 20 years. I’ve done everything from being a barista to serving tables at restaurants on the Las Vegas strip to bartending at upscale restaurants in San Diego. The last restaurant that I bartended at was in the UTC area and I worked with the team that opened that location. Around Covid time, the drama in restaurants was non stop. Between Covid’s lockdown and fluctuating rules, management, coworkers and guests opinions, I had had it. I knew I needed to get out and start something for myself but I wasn’t quite sure what that was. I’ve always been extremely passionate about food and cocktails and wanted to stay within the industry but not be in a restaurant. I originally started out by making bartending videos on social media, specifically TikTok. I saw a lot of people during Covid making cocktail videos and they had no idea what they were doing but they were making money from it. I had never made a video for social media before but I figured I knew how to bartend so I would figure the rest out. I was able to get a small following on tiktok and scored some brand ambassador deals and started making some income from that. Simultaneously, I was asked by some of my regular clientele from the bar to bartend their (or others) backyard weddings/parties. I realized very quickly that the event bartending industry was largely lacking bartenders with actual bartending experience and was able to quit my job very soon after and begin working for myself.
My experience and knowledge helped me grow quickly and I connected with a few venues around town for more steady business and growth. In the last 4 years, I have expanded my business immensely, October 2024 was one of my biggest months yet with a total of 27 events completed. I now have 6-8 other bartenders on my team, whom all have experience bartending in high end bars and restaurants, who work for me and with me. We bring more of a craft cocktail experience to clients and parties and elevate that cocktail experience for the guests. I still make bartending videos and bartending training videos on social media, but my event business has grown so much, it’s hard to keep up. I’m currently working on making online training programs for those who want to learn to bartend or who want to start their own mobile bartending business from the comfort of their own home. So, be on the lookout for those!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a learning process and I’ve taught myself along the way. I didn’t know anyone else doing this business nor did I have a mentor or anything so I’m truly self taught. It’s been a struggle but totally worth it in the end. I’ve learned to set rules and boundaries with clients and working on trusting others as employees of mine. I have high standards and I expect high quality from my employees. I would never want to have anything happen where someone’s event might be messed up and that thought keeps me up at night.
We’ve been impressed with Molly Shakes It Up Bartending Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Molly Shakes It Up is a brand started by myself. It began with posting videos on social media with cocktail making videos, bartender training videos, and event videos. I specialize in craft and fresh cocktails. I don’t use store bought mixes and prefer fresh juices only. I have actual mixologist knowledge and can create recipes that are balanced and delicious. I’ve been bartending for close to 10 years and I think that comes through with my services offered. I’m proud of the brand that I have built and the services that I offer. I’m proud of the menus I create and the recipes that I share. I love my clients and the clientele that I have built and the community around it that supports me and appreciates me!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see some big trends in parties and events. I think more people are moving towards wanting a fresh cocktail experience for their event rather than just basic cocktails for the bar. Fun and creative garnishes will continue to be trendy for social media with edible flowers, fun fruits, special candy, or fresh herbs but now people are realizing the cocktail still needs to taste good and not just be photo worthy.
Pricing:
- Basic package starts at $350 and goes up
- Cocktail Making classes start at $65 a person and up
- How to start your own Mobile Bartending Business Consulting is $250 and up
- Bar/Restaurant Consultant work starts at $300 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/MollyShakesItUp
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyshakesitup/profilecard/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollyshakesitup?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/nmhWL5-bOc
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyshakesitup?_t=8qxPrMMq79a&_r=1
