Meet Barbara S, Barksdale | Owner & licensed bartender

We had the good fortune of connecting with Barbara S, Barksdale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barbara S,, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
After the passing of my late best friend in 2018, I finally decided to pursue our long-term dream of owning a traveling bartending business. I started selling individual jarred cocktails and using my platforms to advertise/market the business. One of my very first events was for a group of diverse fraternities and sororities at the Sheraton downtown Memphis. Shortly after I attended my first pop up shop in 2019 in my hometown Holly Springs, Mississippi. Right after I traveled to Kennett, Missouri for another pop-up shop and by the Grace of God I sold out just like before. I began booking small events through locals, networking and upgrading my inventory to bottled cocktails for shipping purposes, Now I am currently booking both local and out of town events such as weddings, engagement parties, birthdays, fun parties, graduation parties, etc. I whole heartly enjoy the road to becoming the business owner I know that my best friend and I said we would be. I know that she is proud and living through our business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my business during the peak of the pandemic I knew that there would be challenges etc, but I did not let that detour me from starting. I started making jarred cocktails to keep my name out there, as I knew people were not going out anywhere due to the pandemic, so I used that time. I took some losses during the beginning stage of my business; I have put policies in order to prevent those same issues moving forward. I started this business with $100, jars, and liquor, during that time I utilized every source I could to promote the business. Ever since that day I have been making my cocktails. I started bartending 2010 in GA and found a big passion for it. I can make just about anything as long as you are able to tell me how you would like for it to taste. A bonus to it all for people who do not like to taste liquor, I have something for you. To the ones that like to taste it all, I got it for you as well. Near or far we cover your bar. #itllsneakuponya

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Memphis, TN I would say

Memphis Grizzles game
Firebid
BB King’s Blues Club
Blues City Cafe
Ubees
We have alot of food trucks that are amazing as well.

We have a lot of historic features MLK museum

Hangout

LOVE
The Weekend

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank GOD for allowing me to serve in my purpose and helping me understand that everything takes time. My children Kingston and Gianna for giving me a reason to never give up. When I first started my business, I had an issue locating inventory for cocktails due to the high demand of them in the time of the pandemic. Both my parents assisted in purchasing and locating inventory, everyone who knew what I needed from people from Facebook, clients, and even strangers would reach out letting me know where to find them or gifting them to me. Both my sisters advertised and assisted with clients, sales, deliveries, and whatever needed to be done. My brother sat me down told me what I needed to excel to the next level, he too is an entrepreneur. My significant other puts the push and drive behind me daily. He has drove to numerous events, assisted in making bottled cocktails, been the sampler since I started, lifted so many boxes of liquor everywhere, worked events, etc. He speaks so highly of me and has been there every step of the way. I want to thank all of the employees that go out of their way to make sure they represent the brand with nothing but elegance. I want to also thank everyone who has ever referred me, purchased cocktail/cocktails, booked me for an event, shot content, anyone who wanted to support but could not, shared a post, revamped anything for the business, etc. Thank you all for all the continued support.

Instagram: sneaky_concoctions or itllsneakuponya

Linkedin: Barbara Barksdale

Facebook: tsweetsbyredd presents sneaky concoctions

Image Credits
Marlon’s Vision Photography Taylor Davis Photography