Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecilia Rodriguez
Hi Cecilia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Founded in 2023, Sips & Sunshine is a Latina-owned business driven by creativity and a passion for unique event experiences. Our mobile Frozen beverage cart is designed to bring your vision to life without breaking the bank. We believe that exceptional décor and design should be accessible, not just a luxury, and we strive to create eye-catching accents that elevate any occasion with a tasty frozen drink.
We offer a diverse selection of signature frozen cocktails, refreshing mocktails, and fun kid-friendly “slushies”, all tailored to suit your event. As a local business, we’re committed to supporting our community by partnering with local vendors such as Gimme Gomas and small businesses like Eyeconic Booth, and Wishful Heart Boutique to name a few to showcase Houston’s incredible talent.
I have always been a goal-driven individual, relentlessly pursuing growth and excellence in every aspect of my life—personally, academically, and professionally. From a young age, I made a promise to myself: I would one day be my “own boss.” Growing up with inspiring entrepreneurs like my grandfathers and father, I learned the invaluable lessons of hard work, grit, and dedication—the very principles that shape the desire to achieve more and ultimately be the architect of one’s own success.
The spark for my business journey ignited with a simple yet powerful idea: to create a versatile cart that could serve tasty frozen beverages with multiple functions for clients in a compact, user-friendly design. I saw the rise of amazing small businesses and realized there was a need for something that could offer frozen drinks and design in one space—a solution that was both functional and stylish. This vision led me to design my first cart with the help of a close friend & owner of Beach City Detail, a product that allowed clients to customize their event with a backdrop for photos, neon lights, add-on accessories, and even a balloon garland—all in one sleek, mobile unit.
As someone who has always been a lover of all things “extra” when it comes to hosting, I wanted to prove that event design doesn’t have to break the bank. Clients should be able to achieve stunning, aesthetically pleasing setups without having to indulge in luxury prices. This business was created with the everyday working family in mind, offering them the chance to elevate their special moments with ease.
As my business grew, so did my vision. I invested in a new, collapsible, lightweight cart design that was portable and adaptable to any space. I was able to expand the cart options by adding a snack and Holiday cart (coffee/hot coco). I taught myself how to build a website and tapped into the wisdom of fellow small business owners, soaking up their expertise to learn the intricacies of running a business. I was determined to prove that my book smarts could be translated into real-world success.
Though the journey has been challenging, I am endlessly grateful for the unwavering support of my spouse David, my family, and friends who have been my pillars of encouragement and strength. In August of 2023, I faced the unimaginable loss of my father. It was a devastating blow, but it was through Sips & Sunshine, that I found the strength to continue moving forward. The business gave me purpose, reigniting my passion and joy in the wake of loss. I often reflect on how proud my Dad would be, knowing that after each successful event, his spirit is there with me, cheering me on.
I also chose to honor my grandfather, a hero in every sense, by incorporating his nickname “Sunshine” into my business name. Ramon “Sunshine” Lopez was not only a decorated veteran who fought in both the Korean & Vietnam wars but also a profound influence on my life and values. His legacy lives on in this business, which is deeply personal and meaningful to me.
As I continue to push myself and my business to new heights, I am proud of the genuine relationships I’ve built with my clients and the lessons I continue to learn along the way. I am excited for what 2025 will bring and am more determined than ever to elevate every event I touch. The journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to where I am today has certainly been paved with its share of bumps and detours, but each challenge has been an opportunity for growth, resilience, and learning. Academics have always been a strong suit of mine, and I was fortunate to complete a graduate degree virtually, which taught me the value of hard work, focus, and determination. This dedication has been the driving force behind my entrepreneurial journey, which began in mid-2023 when I began researching my idea.
I took a crucial step by enrolling in a small business media course hosted by Elise, the owner of StateLine Designs, which provided the foundation for developing a strong business mindset and setting clear goals. I deliberately chose to take things slowly to avoid feeling overwhelmed, seeking guidance from other business owners and trusted friends along the way. I reached out to the City of Houston to ensure that I was adhering to all regulations and policies for small businesses, and despite the lack of clarity around mobile frozen bar carts in our city, I remained persistent in finding answers. I consulted with a lawyer, created contracts, drafted a business plan, and carefully worked through my marketing strategy.
Simultaneously, I worked with talented craftsmen to bring my cart design to life. The process of sourcing materials, sketching out my vision, and overcoming the inevitable obstacles of construction was both exciting and challenging. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my dear friend, Edward Arriaga (owner of Beach City Detail), who not only helped me build the cart but also gifted it to me as a symbol of support for my entrepreneurial dreams. His generosity, coupled with the strength I found within myself to push through personal grief and uncertainty, kept me moving forward in pursuit of my vision.
Once the cart was built, painted, and ready for use, I saw other key business elements begin to take shape. I taught myself how to build a website and focused on curating my social media presence to create anticipation for the launch. In August 2024, I hosted my official launch party to showcase my mobile frozen beverage cart, featuring a vibrant balloon garland, a backdrop with a “Let’s Party” neon sign, and my newly designed collapsible snack cart offering a delicious array of charcuterie. I invited family, friends, and local small business owners to help me kick off this exciting journey. Although organizing an event of that scale was no small feat, I thrive on challenges, and the event was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible support from my loved ones who helped with setup and breakdown.
Following the launch, I seized opportunities to do pro bono events, learning valuable lessons in problem-solving, customer service, and the practicalities of running a business. One of the pivotal moments in my journey came when Samantha of Slayology-Beauty Services reached out to book my first paid event. Each event since has been a learning experience—whether it’s creating systems to stay organized, mastering mechanical skills with my frozen beverage machines, or building the physical strength needed for setup and breakdown, every challenge has contributed to my growth.
As my business continues to evolve, I know that new lessons will emerge, but I am confident in my ability to adapt, adjust, and rise to meet whatever comes my way. The journey has taught me that success is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. I am deeply grateful for my incredible spouse, David, whose unwavering support and encouragement lift me up, even on the toughest of days. His belief in me never falters, and it fuels my strength and resilience. I will continue to push forward with the unwavering belief that perseverance and dedication to my dreams will always lead to greater achievements. The goal is simple: never give up, because the rewards are always worth the effort.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sips & Sunshine, LLC is a unique mobile frozen bar cart service designed to elevate any event with style and creativity. Offering a versatile, aesthetically pleasing addition to gatherings, the cart features a range of frozen beverages—from the classic Frosé to expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails. The concept was born from the desire to provide a fun, flavorful experience while accentuating event themes with a beautifully designed cart. With an a la carte menu, clients have the option to add personalized touches, and I work closely with local vendors like to offer custom condiments and enhancements to further elevate the experience.
Whether serving alcohol or non-alcoholic options, clients can supply their own liquor, making the service both flexible and cost-effective. The cart itself is collapsible, mobile, and meticulously decorated, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any venue and brings that perfect extra touch to the occasion without breaking the bank. Known for my love of hosting and attention to detail, I bring the same thoughtful touches to each event I design, creating a memorable experience through well-executed themes and impeccable presentation. For me, creativity is not only fun—it’s a challenge I embrace with enthusiasm and passion.
With over 10 years of experience in customer service, I have honed my ability to understand and meet client needs, as well as develop effective communication skills. As a full-time employee and small business owner, I understand the importance of balancing both roles, and I’m fortunate to work for an organization that supports my work-life balance. My “work smarter, not harder” mindset is key, enabling me to apply the skills I’ve learned professionally to my entrepreneurial endeavors.
My personable nature and ease with clients allow me to build strong relationships, whether it’s working with clients directly or addressing new business inquiries. What truly sets Sips & Sunshine apart is my commitment to presentation and detail. I go above and beyond to ensure the cart is perfectly styled, thoughtfully designed to match the event’s theme, and executed with precision. While I am not immune to mistakes, it’s how I handle challenges and adapt to the situation that speaks to my dedication and passion for my business.
I am incredibly proud of the resilience I’ve demonstrated in building this business, especially after enduring a great personal loss. The grief could have easily held me back, but instead, I chose to fight for my dream, relying on my faith and belief that I am not alone in this journey. I trust that God has always been by my side, guiding me, and I know I can achieve anything with His strength. Every day, I show up for Sips & Sunshine—whether it’s through a simple social media post or researching new ways to enhance my business—I pour my heart and soul into ensuring its success.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Some may call it luck, but I firmly believe it is the result of my unwavering faith. From the very beginning of my journey, I have had heartfelt conversations with God, trusting that through Him, all things are possible. Even when the road ahead seemed difficult, I knew that the challenges life threw my way would not shake my belief. Whenever I felt defeated—whether from unanswered questions or the overwhelming financial pressures of starting a business—I kept praying, persevering, and pushing toward my dream.
I am deeply grateful for the friends in my life who have become like family. Their support has been a divine gift, not mere chance. Being gifted my cart and having these incredible individuals show up for me in ways that truly reflect God’s grace is a blessing beyond measure. They were meant to be part of my journey, helping me navigate the trials and tribulations that have shaped this path.
My family has been an unwavering pillar of strength for me, always ready to lend a hand and offer encouragement whenever needed. Their support means the world to me. Additionally, my extended family in my husband’s home state of Georgia has continued to pray for my success, offering their support from afar. These are not just fortunate moments—they are divine moments of destiny.
I know with certainty that I was destined to be my own boss and to prove to myself that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. This is not the end of my journey, but only the beginning. I am committed to growing, both personally and professionally, with faith as my guiding force.
Pricing:
- Sunshine (Kid, 2 hrs/1 flavor)Package- $275.00
- Sunbeam (3 hrs/2 flavors)- $350.00
- Susnrise (3 hrs/2 flavors)- $425.00
- Sunset (3 hrs/3 Flavors)- $475.00
- A la Cart Menu & Customized packages available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sipsandsunshinehtx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipsandsunshinehtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556341889820
Image Credits
Cecilia Rodriguez
