Today we’d like to introduce you to Joceline Arriazola.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Joceline. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a native Houstonian born from Puerto Rican parents. My mother ensured that I would learn Spanish so she would speak to me in Spanish at home and I would speak English at school. This upbringing allowed me to become a Texas Certified Bilingual Teacher. I’m certified to teach Grades 1-8th and have more than 15 years of experience. I have taught Pre-K to 8th grade in Pasadena ISD and Clear Creek ISD.
Fast forwarding to my new adventure with Sarita, my Mini Mobile Bar. I have always enjoyed entertaining with friends and family. When my son and daughter were little, I would always plan the most detailed and elaborate birthday parties. This was way before Pinterest! My family and teacher friends would always enjoy my cooking and my fresh fruit Sangria. My Signature Sangria recipe has definitely been perfected over the years!
The idea for my company came from a former teaching partner and friend of mine that had lived in Germany. She was transferred to the United States, California. When I went to visit her this past August she gave me the idea. She knew that I had always talked about owning a food truck. Right before she dropped me off at the airport she suggested that I look into Prosecco Trucks, which were all over Europe. I was very intrigued and as soon I returned to Houston I started to research this unique concept. I soon came across Tassie, she is the owner of Sass Tass and the Pour Horse in San Antonio. As soon as we talked, I knew she was the one who I needed to help get me down the proper path of this business.
We quickly located Sarita, our vintage Piaggio Ape, in Italy and she was transported from Italy to Texas. Her makeover began in San Antonio soon after arriving to Texas in November. Tassie & I began designing Sarita and thinking of how to begin her branding. This process has definitely been challenging but my teaching background has taught me how to be a life long learner. Tassie and her awesome team at Local Fabrications took great care of Sarita and completed her in March.
Since our recent launch, many are so fascinated with Sarita! At all of our past events, people know that they are definitely not being served by just another Bartending Service. We are looking forward to changing the way Bartending Services are viewed. Our clients will be those that want to stand out and provide their guests with an interactive Bar Service at their event. We encourage our Guests to sit in Sarita’s cabin and take pictures with her. Making our Mini Mobile Bar the most Instagram~able in Houston.
We serve whatever our client desires since the client provides the alcohol. We do have a beverage consultation and provide our clients with an alcohol-shopping list. Of course, we are known for our Signature Sangria Bar. Our Mini Mobile Bar was built with a total of 4 taps, two on the side and two additional taps on the back bar. We are now so excited that our Signature Fresh Fruit Sangria is served on tap. We also offer our Signature Margarita on tap as well as the client’s chosen signature cocktail.
Jo’s Mini Mobile Bar can simply be described as a Bartending Service with a super cute prop! We are not your traditional Bartending Service that is for certain!
Great, 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?
This new adventure has its challenges, of course. I often fear that I would have so much to do myself in order to run a successful business but I am never alone in this Journey. My family, especially my husband, Jonathan, has been so supportive. It’s funny because I came to him with this crazy idea and he has been the one to learn how to drive Sarita, our Piaggio Ape. My son, Josh, has been my photography editor. My daughter, Julia, has taught me how use Social Media. My sister, Arlene, has been my marketing advisor. My brother-in-law, Miguel has even been my carpenter. I’m truly blessed to have such a loving and supportive family.
Jo’s Mini Mobile Bar is a very unique type of Bartending Service with a Super Cute Prop~Sarita. I named our Mini Mobile Bar Sarita because I always intended on focusing on what I was known for, my Sangria. Perhaps I always consciously wanted to own a Sangria Stand, well before I found Sarita.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment has been realizing that I own a company. It is also special to me that I am a Latina Small Business Owner. As small as my business may be it is a big deal to me knowing that I am providing a unique service to my clients. I love being able to elevate my client’s event with our Mini Mobile Bar.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.minimobilebar.com
- Phone: 281-221-9625
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/minimobilebar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minimobilebar/
- Twitter: Twitter.com/minimobilebar
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