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

Hi Stephanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had years of industry experience from working in various types of settings (including dive bars, clubs, events) and wanted to apply that to getting my own business going. I saw many young entrepreneurs thriving in doing so, and I wanted to get on that same level!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My first time behind a bar was the day after my 21st birthday. It started as a flexible way to make an income while focusing on my studies (PSU Psychology grad). I worked at a local’s dive bar, and became close with both my coworkers and regulars. I was new to Portland (had just moved up there a few months prior), so the timing of everything really just clicked. This is when I fell in love with the industry and the people in it, as work became something that I looked forward to it and felt like a home away from home. I learned the in’s and out’s of the industry here, as the bar owners at the time were very uninvolved, so us bartenders basically ran the show. During my time in Portland (5 years), I also bartended briefly at a couple different restaurants and clubs, which broadened my horizons in the industry. However, the dive bar mentioned was my longest stint.
Since then I have graduated and moved back home to California, and worked at an office for a few years. I wasn’t happy sitting at a desk all day and missed the energy of the industry. I started working for a catering company on weekends to make some extra cash and also get my bartending fix. I bartended various events through them, for about 6 months. This is when I moved to Spain to teach english abroad and lived there for 3 months. Upon moving back to CA, I decided I would never go back to another office job.
This is when I made the choice to get my own business going, as I was inspired by the many young entrepreneurs succeeding in doing the same. Once I had the vision, the rest sort of fell into place. I took my experience in the industry/event work, my passion and skills for making drinks, along with my drive for customer satisfaction – and I rolled with it. I bought all of the equipment that I needed (portable bar, bartending tools, etc.) and started promoting my own services. Getting the leads was the hardest part (especially in the beginning), considering I had never sourced my own leads before. It took some time but I built a network. Many of my clients ended up being repeat clients and referrals. Reviews were crucial as well, as that is your first chance to make an impression on a potential client. Reputation is everything – it is immensely important. If you keep this in mind in the way you carry yourself and your business, it will reflect in the work you do – which ultimately will lead to better client satisfaction and feedback. It’s all about maintaining a outstanding reputation, building rapport, and cultivating a network. I’ve been running my own business for 2+ years now and love every minute of it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to take people on hikes all around LA, especially Angeles National forest and Malibu. I would definitely hit up Griffith Observatory, maybe a music show or 2, Grand Central Market, some hidden Armenian food gems, 7 Grand for whiskey cocktails, Wally’s for wine, and definitely pay a visit to Palm Springs/Joshua Tree.

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?
All of the other talented industry people I have had the opportunity to work with over the years, and the clients/regulars who have touched my heart

Website: https://www.thumbtack.com/profile/services/372632661515173892/

Instagram: sunsetbartending

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.