Meet Aspen Martin: Hookah Connoisseur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aspen Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aspen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well I was introduced to hookah back in college and ever since I saw one for the first time I just wanted to know more. I began researching all things hookah, the history behind it, different designs and what they meant, what goes in them, etc. and purchased my first (horrible) hookah back in 2013 for $13 and things took off from there. The idea to start a hookah catering company actually came while living in Dallas in 2018. My husband and I would go to different restaurants and bars and would notice that none of the places actually had hookah, they had companies set up at their place and sell their hookah service to those dining in. We had never seen this before and when we decided to move back to Atlanta, we thought, “how cool would it be to bring something like this to ATL?” That was all it took really. I began researching the licenses I’d need, what I wanted my business to look like and of course continued learning all I could about hookahs.

What should our readers know about your business?
In August of 2020 I officially launched Vybez, a luxury hookah catering company geared towards adding a particular “upscale vibe” to any event. If you’ve ever seen my hookahs, you know we’ve put a twist on your typical hookah service that sets us apart from any other mobile hookah service in Atlanta. We specialize in all glass hookahs with fruit infused bases and handcrafted shisha flavors. If I had to pick something I’m excited about, I’d definitely say launching the second phase of my business which will be our retail side where I will sell hookahs, my handcrafted mixes of shisha, and a few more surprise items I’ve been working on! It’s been quite a rush seeing everything unfold knowing that this all started from one small idea my husband and I had while eating brunch at a restaurant in Dallas. It hasn’t been an easy rode, there have been many setbacks especially with events not exactly being the “norm” at the moment. Through it all though I think the most important lesson we’ve learned along the way is the art of pivoting. It’s something that all businesses had to learn when things shut down and I think that along with thinking outside the box and getting creative with how we reach people has helped us stay afloat during this time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ouu that’s an easy one! So we would of course hit a few brunch spots (because who doesn’t love bottomless mimosas), making sure we go to Breakfast at Barney’s, Southern Gentleman, and West Egg Cafe. Then of course we’ve gotta visit the rooftop at Ponce City Market, Top Golf, and Punch Bowl Social for all fun and games, we’re all big kids at heart! Last, but not least, I love a good dinner and recreational combo so we’d have to hit Cru Hookah Lounge, Eden, and BQE. There are so many hidden gems in Atlanta and even in the outer cities like Marietta and Chamblee that make for a great night out! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout my husband who’s also my biggest supporter, best friend, shoulder to cry on when things get overwhelming and my hype man when I need some pepping up. My next shoutout goes to my amazing friends who literally support every single thing I do, big or small (that includes jumping in as staff at my catering events) couldn’t do what I do without them! Lastly, my family, which goes without saying, but they’re the least quiet bunch I know and never fail to let me know how proud they are and that they’re forever in my corner. Needless to say, my whole support system is fire.

Website: www.vybezbyamp.com

Instagram: @VybezbyAMP

Image Credits
Matthew Upchurch