Today we’d like to introduce you to Joeily Figueroa.
Hi Joeily, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Originally from La Romana, DR. being in social environments has not only been a big part of my culture, it is embedded in my upbringing and overall identity. Having incredible parents who have the gift of connecting and uplifting others, always demonstrated to my sisters and I the importance of connecting with people.
After several years in my professional career, I realized that every single job I landed was directly impacting someone’s day. One day I came across a video about the build of a foldable bar that was being rented for events, I initially thought this was a great way of getting earning aedition Al income. I remembered the times my friends and family would try my concoctions at events and would compliment the taste. These memories gave me the confidence to enroll in bartending school to test two things: 1) how serious I was about getting a second job and 2)would it be possible to turn bartending into a safe social experience.
I would work 9-5 and then attend classes from 6-10pm. During bartending school there was a mixology segment where we went into detail of the ingredients of drinks and their history. I looked around class and saw how much fun we were having learning and exploring different flavors, a confirmation light bulb instantly went off in my head and I ran home and looked up “mixology classes near me”. To my surprise, there was not much google could offer at the time (besides the school I was already attending). I knew that while not everyone wants to be a bartender, people love learning and happy hours- so why not combine both?
I hit the ground running with the mixology lab idea. I remember explaining it to my parents one night, and both of them giving me their full support and acceptance. Knowing that the two most inspirational people in my life were standing by me as I figure out how to open and operate a business while working full time, was all I needed to do just that.
Seeing the feedback that Sunny Mixers has received during her four month tenure has been nothing short of amazing. I am incredibly blessed and grateful to every single person in my life that has been supportive of this journey. It simply would not have been possible without them. My parents, my sisters, my partner, my best friends, our clients and all the small business owners that we’ve partnered with in the last few moments.
This is just the beginning of a safe social experience where we can explore history, flavors and ingredients while connecting and building great relationships! Excited for what lies ahead- Cheers!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
2024 was the birth year not only of Sunny Mixers but also of my entrepreneurial journey. Initially, I was not aware all of the obstacles and intricacies of owning a small business. The first obstacle was building a bar with no prior experience (thankfully I had my partner’s help throughout the build process). After the bar was built, I thought great! time to get going and then embarked on the process of finding a location that was willing to work with a concept that is not common in town, so not only did I have to find a business that would feel comfortable collaborating with a brand new idea but I had to ensure that the idea was going to flourish. After several no’s and no responses from businesses, we found Island Touch Cafe (thanks to a friend’s recommendation). Following the location came the students! The scary part! – you pour your heart and soul into your vision and hope people will actually be interested in what you have to offer! – To this day, I get first day of school nerves when posting the sign ups for the next class (despite having sold out classes). It is one thing believing in your business and it is quite another when everyone else does too. Throughout the span of the 4 months that Sunny Mixers has been alive, I have learned that owning a small business is more about self confidence and resilience than it is about acceptance. This has allowed me to look at obstacles and challenges as new skills to be unlocked and new avenues to explore.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sunny Mixers is a social experience! What started as a regular mobile bar service quickly turned into one of Orlando’s first Mixology lab experiences. Although we conduct regular bartending services for all types of events (corporate, weddings, gatherings, celebrations, etc.). We specialize in mixology classes. We host classes once a month at Island Touch Cafe, where we embark on a crafting and sipping journey for about two hours, exploring different flavors, learning the history, art and science of mixology, while mingling and socially sipping. What sets us apart is the ambiance created while at the lab and our ability to operate as a traveling bar. We bring the mixology lab experience to you regardless of where you are. The beauty of the lab is the capability to connect with a diverse group of people as we all craft and sip, an experience that is not limited to alcohol, but is also inviting of non alcoholic options. There is so much flavor behind non alcoholic options and we love shining light on the latest NA brands.
Having this social component to our brand allows us to connect with the community in more ways than I every thought possible. I continue to keep in touch with past clients and students and it is so refreshing to see how far a mocktail, cocktail or laugh in class can really expand a relationship. Our proud moments come post events and classes, when I sit back and think of all the positive and lively energy and connections that are made with us present. It’s nice to know that we play a role in brightening someone’s day- the best reward of the service industry in my eyes.
Any big plans?
Expansion! The classes at Island Touch Cafe are receiving great feedback which I am extremely grateful for. Given this, we are in search of a bigger location where we can invite more students to participate in this one of a kind social experience. Another project currently in the works is the launch our first glassware line/shop! There is a beautiful story to be told about glassware, especially when it is unique. We want to be part of that story.
As we learn and grow, we are excited to continue partnering with brands and businesses that are creating amazing products that can be incorporated in the mixology experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: sunnymixers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Sunnymixers/?next=%2Fpondsidehk%2Ffeed%2F&locale=%E8%B6%B3%E7%90%83%E6%8A%95%E6%B3%A8%E7%B3%BB%E7%BB%9F(%E5%BE%AE%E4%BF%A1mos058)0v5v
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sunny-Mixers/61557537260910/?sk=reels_tab
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunnyMixers?app=desktop
Image Credits
Isaiah Derek (isaiahderek.com)
