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Meet Sid Henson of Black Tie Bartending in Downtown

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Sid Henson.

Sid, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After four years of active duty, I joined a Reserve unit here in Houston and moved here in 2005. I joined the Marine Corps after high school and served a total of eight years active/reserve duty in the Supply Chain/Logistics field before switching to the Intelligence field. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Houston – Downtown and I am currently completing my Executive MBA at Texas Southern University. I have been an independent business owner for about two years now.

While serving overseas, I came across so many eclectic types of wine and spirits that intrigued me. I enjoyed learning the types of ingredients used for beverages especially the ones that differed from the style, flavors and tastes in the States. No matter where I’d go, people loved their beer, wine and liquor and the science that went into creating exotic versions of each. I consider the bar to be sort of universal space and concept, so I like to bring some of the international flavors with me to my events so others can enjoy cocktails from around the world.

I got the idea to start Black Tie one Saturday evening while at a friend’s wedding. I immediately noticed that the venue had a very nice bar and I remember being really impressed by the thought and creativity that went into the design. I started thinking of ideas and concepts for the bar space and I had also recently thought about creating/designing bars of my own. Me and some of the other groomsmen took pictures in front of the bar, of course in formal dress, and that’s how I believe the “Black Tie” image just came to mind. So that Monday, I began planning and eventually started the business within a few months.

I have never been one to drink much myself, so I was often the beloved designated driver for my Marine buddies. But I would see firsthand the social effect of wine and cocktails and so much energy and passion raised during conversations about them regarding lineages, history and preferences. They are a major part of most events and help provide a dynamic and social atmosphere and people definitely have more fun when you add libations to any gathering. I seem to connect with people really well, so I basically thought about creating a business of my own. I found that there is no real blueprint to this business, so there is plenty of room for trial and error. You learn so much as you go and make a lot of mistakes, but it took all of that for me to get to this point so I’m grateful for it.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Some of the struggles in the beginning were, well…EVERYTHING. I remember trying to plan every detail hoping for perfection, but I quickly learned that there is so much you can’t account for, so the best teacher is sometimes just experience. Initially, I didn’t understand all of the “required” business concepts well enough to scale and grow. I remember sometimes making little or no money because I miscalculated expenses. It’s very tough when you go through these struggles and also not receiving the type of support you feel you need. You really have to keep yourself motivated through all of the failures. Strong mind and thick skin!

Starting out, I was still working a full-time corporate as well so most of my day was spent there plus the hour commute each way every day. In the evenings, I was often so drained from work that I would still spend very limited time building and working on my business. I started off passively – maybe because I felt I had a job to fall back on for security. I would take events as they came and used the profits as supplemental income and to put back into the business.

But in February 2019, the company I worked for did a massive layoff and I was one of the employees shown the door. This was a huge surprise for me and could have been seen as one of my biggest struggles. If I’m honest, I’ll admit that the initial shock frightened me because that job was my main source of income. I had not grown Black Tie enough for it to be a sustainable income source and I had just signed a contract for my new home. As I mentioned, I have two children and responsible for all of their expenses, so like everyone else I have my share of things I’m financially responsible for. Needless to say, I was a bit worried, but then I just realized that I now had an opportunity to do what I’d always wanted to do which was to work and create for myself.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Black Tie Bartending story. Tell us more about the business.
Black Tie Bartending LLC is a mobile bartending and beverage company. We are: Redefining the Bar Experience. We provide bar service for parties, weddings, and all other special events. We provide services for your Brunch Bar (Champagne Mimosas, Bellinis, Sangrias, Mules, etc.) Coffee/Espresso Bar, Cocktail, Mocktail and Juice bars. We are most proud of our creativity and ability to provide menus and services based on the specific needs of your event. Our services are customizable and unique. We also have portable bar and bar equipment rentals, including frozen Margarita machines. Black Tie Bartending is a full-service bar company. No matter the event or location, we can create the right bar scene catered just for you – The Bar Where You Are!

In addition to bar services, we also offer cocktail menu consulting, liquor inventory consulting and mixology workshops.

Black Tie is also a sponsor for Katy Christian Ministries – a nonprofit organization and crisis center for domestic violence and sexual abuse victims. I am also able to volunteer for various organizations in Houston, including Kids Meals, which provides healthy meals to children across the city. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve is such a capacity that was not afforded to me while I was a full-time employee.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have been lucky quite a few times during my time as a business owner. I have been blessed to get gigs sometimes just by being at the right place at the right time. I was invited to Aretha Franklin’s memorial service as a friend of the family and met a lady who worked for United Nations who needed bartending services for an event she was hosting. I was also recently asked to be the Guest of Honor for a Marine Corps Ball for a Dallas area high school’s JROTC program. I was at an event and ran into my old recruiter. After talking and catching up – learning my story, he invited me to such an honor and I humbly accepted. I’ve also considered myself lucky to have a few close business savvy friends/relatives I can call on for advising. I’m very grateful for that.

Pricing:

  • Neck Tie Package – Includes: Bartender, Bar tools (shaker, strainer, jiggers, pour spouts, etc), Customized Menu Design, Napkins, Straws $55/hr (minimum 4 hours)
  • Bow Tie Package – Includes: Bartender, Set up/Cleanup, Disposable cups, Portable Bar, Framed cocktail Menu) $75 – $125/hr (minimum 4 hours)
  • Tuxedo Package – Includes: Bartender(s), Garnishes, LED Portable Bar, Consultation, Customized Liquor Shopping List, Decorative Arrangements $150+/hr (minimum 4 hours)
  • Matrimony Package – Starting at $899

Contact Info:

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