Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizaida Zee Renta.
Hi Lizaida, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Connecticut but raised in Tampa, FL. As a child, I always found ways to make my own money from babysitting to selling snacks at school. In hindsight, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. When I graduated high school, I moved to Orlando where I was accepted to the University of Central Florida.
Go, Knights! Charge on! I changed my major 4 times and ended up graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. I worked in the hospitality industry from hotels to restaurants and began my career in bartending. From the second I learned the basics of bartending, I fell in love with mixology.
As years progressed in the field, I started thinking about my future and realized I do not really have a long-term plan. Then on 12/4/2016, I opened my laptop and began typing. I wrote myself a letter and then started writing down ideas and names for the mobile bartending company I wanted to start. That’s where Straight Up Mobile Bartending Services LLC began.
That same night I registered SUMBS to go active 1/1/17 and fast forward we have been open for the last 5 years thankfully. I could not have gotten this far without the encouragement, referrals, and motivation from my family, friends, colleagues, and village. We are working on so many new ideas and components to add to our brand! Stay tuned.
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?
Smooth road? I don’t think the road to entrepreneurship is a smooth road at all however, that is what makes this journey special and meaningful. It takes a gutsy type of person to take this leap into entrepreneurship.
I’ve experienced so many different moments and risks in the last 5 years from having to learn about HR, accounting, marketing, social media, the list can go on and that is just the business aspects. I haven’t even mentioned the challenges I’ve had from self-doubt, learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Getting used to no’s more than yes’s. We can’t forget one of the biggest struggles for the hospitality industry everywhere Covid-19.
Being shut down was an adjustment for the entire world and business owners especially small businesses we had to continue to find ways to make money to stay open. I will always use my experiences good or bad to better myself to be the best leader for my team and company. In entrepreneurship be sure to learn as much as you can and be patient with yourself as a smooth road does not exist in this journey.
We’ve been impressed with Straight Up Mobile Bartending Services LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Straight-Up Mobile Bartending Services LLC brings the party; professionally, and responsibly. We are a mobile bartending service that allows you not only to take your event to the next level; it allows you to be a guest at your own event with fun, and personalized services from our Straight Up Mixologists/Cocktail Servers.
We offer mixology parties that are great for networking, team building, date night, bachelorette party, or a great activity to do with your friends! We also have customized LED portable bars that will make your event incomparable to the rest! We have years of experience in all types of events with the finest mixologists in the Orlando area!
I am incredibly proud of our brand. As a minority woman that is a part of the LGBTQIA community, our brand and logo are everything we represent as a company. When you choose us to be a part of your event you will not regret it! Get ready for an unforgettable occasion!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Orlando is such a wonderful city. I love how diverse we are! I love how amazing our hospitality industry is!
I am a foodie and love our food options throughout the city. I truly love how our city continues to elevate. New fun, cool, unique places and experiences are opening every day! The biggest thing I would say that I dislike is the traffic but in my mind, no great city does not have traffic.
We really are the city beautiful and would recommend Orlando as a travel destination any day.
Contact Info:
- Email: zee@straightupmobilebar.com
- Website: https://www.straightupmobilebar.com
- Instagram: @Straightupmbs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/straightupmbs
- Twitter: @StraightUpMBS
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPua893jTmbDlGHTAgquKqA
