Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Wright.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The Wright Xperience Mobile Bartending Services brings the full bar experience to you! We specialize in crafting and curating signature cocktails and providing professional, personalized service for private parties and events. The Wright Xperience is based in the Missouri City/Stafford/Sugar Land area, but we are mobile and will come to you!
In 2015-2016, I decided I wanted to start a business. Yet, I was not sure what I wanted to do or what I wanted the business to be. At that time, I was working as an engineer in Corporate America (specifically the Oil & Gas industry) and voluntarily serving in leadership for several non-profit organizations. A majority of my volunteer leadership responsibilities included event planning and coordination. I completely enjoyed doing that and thought event coordination is the business I wanted to be in. However, I felt that I needed to stand out from the typical event coordinator. I wanted to perhaps offer other services like…bartending.
So, in Summer 2016, I enrolled in bartending school, which was a great experience! At the end of the program, the school provides students with potential bartending leads. While maintaining my corporate job, I briefly worked at a local bar. After a few months, I decided it was not the best environment for me. Then I had an opportunity to bartend a wedding, a corporate holiday party, and some other private events. This was a better environment for me. From that experience, I decided I wanted to be mobile and bring my services to private parties and events. Thus, in early 2017, the idea of being a mobile bartender and The Wright Xperience was born.
From 2017 to 2019, I gradually increased my clientele and the bandwidth of my services. During that time, I decided to drop the idea of event coordinating and solely focus on mobile bartending. Then the COVID pandemic hit the world and paused everything. On May 13, 2020, in the midst of pandemic, I had a myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids. While waking up in recovery, I immediately noticed and felt that there was something wrong with my left leg. After advocating for myself and staying vigilant that there was something wrong, this “routine procedure” turned into something more. I went from needing to stay overnight in the hospital to being in there alone for thirteen days (due to the pandemic no guests were allowed in the hospital) and five surgeries on my leg. This was a very traumatic, life-altering event that ultimately changed me as a person and my perspectives on life.
On June 24, 2021, I was notified that I was being laid off from my corporate job. After fifteen years, this was a first for me. A few days later, I competed in my first cocktail competition. Even though I did not win, putting myself out there into the public was a major feat in itself. It gave me more confidence in my business. From the pandemic, my surgeries, being laid off, and participating in the competition, I took all of those as signs to be more free, follow my passions, and put more concerted effort in building The Wright Xperience brand. As my unemployment benefits were ending, I decided that I did not want to return to corporate. I started driving for Uber, worked as a virtual assistant, and was building The Wright Xperience Mobile Bartending Services. In 2022, I saw my largest number of events, built my website, and increased my social media presence (which is a whole full-time job itself!). I have since transitioned from Uber and virtual assisting to teaching high school STEM subjects and continuing to grow the business. I have visions of expanding my services and product offerings, hiring a full team, and publishing my own cocktail book. I want to grow The Wright Xperience Mobile Bartending Services and myself to our fullest potential!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road to entrepreneurship has not been smooth nor is it easy. Honestly, my first struggle was self-confidence and self-assurance. I studied chemical engineering, project management and went to business school. I developed my identity in that: working as an engineer in oil & gas and serving the community. I realized that in order for others to take me seriously, I needed to take myself seriously.
Although I have an MBA, I didn’t know where to actually start. So, I started with coming up with an idea and a name, getting an LLC, getting equipment, and create a business card. Then I went into my own personal network and got my first few clients. I did a few gigs, and each year, it gradually increased. Once I was laid off and took actual time thinking about what my business is and how I want it to be, is when it started to take off for me.
Doing it full-time is challenging because you are the owner, receptionist, bookkeeper, marketer, publicist… you are everything! Ensuring you have consistent work and keeping the clients coming each month is an arduous task. I still continue to work, so I’m not completely reliant on The Wright Xperience for total income…yet. I would love to take out a business loan or get some kind of funding. However, I want to pace myself; ensure I feel comfortable and can fully justify that leap.
Over the last three years, my life has drastically changed. Yet keeping the faith and goal of building a business and creating a legacy for myself stays in my mind and continues to push me forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Wright Xperience provides bartending services for all types of events, such as: tastings, baby showers, wedding receptions, corporate events…all kinds of celebrations (even children birthday parties!). Additionally, The Wright Xperience specializes in creating signature craft cocktails and mocktails, alcohol-infused products, and personalized cocktail menus.
What sets The Wright Xperience apart from others is our high level of professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. I have two “co-stars” on my team who understand that providing The Wright Xperience is to give our clients excellent, personalized customer service. Due to my engineering and corporate background, I am process-oriented and have a methodical approach to everything I do. Even with creating cocktails and mocktails. I see them as chemical equations…where balance is everything!
Personally, what sets me apart from others is my innate drive, resourcefulness, and resiliency. Although the last 3-4 years have been quite turbulent, I have come to know myself. I realized that: 1) I have a unique skill set, and I am not like other people; 2) change is inevitable; and 3) I must be comfortable with myself no matter what.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have a rather big extended family, and all of my childhood memories are filled with them. From going on many road trips with my mom and older brother to visit family in Port Arthur, TX, Laurel, MS., and Los Angeles, CA; to spending time and playing with all of my cousins, and to my mom and I moving to Austin, TX. Where I made friendships that ultimately turned into family. Family is an integral part of my life and my fond memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: thewrightxperiencellc.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewrightxperiencellc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewrightxperiencellc
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thewrightxperience
Image Credits
Inspired Collections Media
