Meet Altonia Fowler Dugar | Beverage Caterer & Small Business Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Altonia Fowler Dugar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Altonia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business started from a need to generate income (immediately) to support my family after I unexpectedly lost my job on July 2, 2019. Bee’s In The Trap was established in 2016. The lemonades and fruit teas were the signature drinks at events that I curated in the Washington, DC area specifically Cupcakes & Cocktails.  On July 3, 2019 a friend of my daughter’s inquired if she knew anyone who could provide drinks at an event that she was hosting on July 4th. My daughter inquired if I could do it- I said yes, and Bee’s In The Trap was birthed into what it is today (Atlanta’s best Adult Capri Suns).

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got to where I’m professionally because Bee’s In The Trap was my only source of income for 5 months. I had no plan B, no income, no savings, my son had just started college at Georgia State, and my daughter was in esthetician school. I had to learn cost control, inventory control, effective pricing, and identifying vendors. It was challenging because I was very green to the beverage industry. Learning and executing at the same time has its challenges. I’ve learned that you don’t have to recreate the wheel. There are several proven techniques, systems, and processes you can learn by conducting a simple Google Search or utilizing You Tube (university) and using those methodologies. For years, I’ve tried to find ways to honor my ancestors (my parents and my grandparents) who are deceased. Every time I mix a fresh batch of lemonade or fruit tea, I’m honoring my ancestors. I can hear my mother’s voice and I feel my granny’s presence. The memories of us in the kitchen together cooking, bonding, and my granny teaching me how to roll lemons comes flooding to the surface. Memories I will never forget and have the pleasure of reliving them every week.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
All my friends know I’m a foodie – so restaurant hopping is definitely on the agenda. (EAT) Toast ATL, Uncle Willie’s Soul food, Marietta Fish Market, Octopus, Garden Room ATL, Everything Nola Cafe, Americancut, Two Urban Licks, Blaze Steak & Seafood. (Dessert) ISSA FUNNEL (Funnel Cakes), Toots Cookies (Cookies), Toni Bakes (Cupcakes), Double Scoop Ice Cream (Ice Cream), Sublime Donuts (Donuts), BeyNana’s (Banana Pudding). (Drinks) Slush ATL, Three Taverns Craft Brewery, Nouveau, and of course Bee’s In The Trap  Visit: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Piedmont Park, Trap Museum, Ponce City Market, Beltline, High Museum of Art, Sky View ATL, Linnethia Lounge, Atlanta Comedy Club, City Winery, and Pasha ATL.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout story to my daughter and fellow entrepreneur A’Yianah Dugar, my sons Jarrell Fowler & Amihr Dugar, and my mom Gladys Baggett Fowler who taught me how to make the signature lemonade & fruit tea.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_beesinthetrap

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beesinthetrap.llc

Image Credits
Forever Lens Photography