Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Hagerty.
Hi Ashlee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started mobile bartending in 2020 when covid hit and people needed / wanted to host events without being an event venues because you weren’t allowed to. In 2021, I started the actual business. When I started I realized there was A LOT I didn’t know so I took a few years to grow my client base as a dry hire while I learned which permits I needed for what. Then right before Christmas of 2024 my youngest child got very sick and had seizures. I realized right then and there that I have no idea how much time I have on earth so I just started it… I said ” let’s just do the damn thing “. Boom the business was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No it definitely has not been a smooth ride. I’m a single mom with three kids. That already puts me at a disadvantage for time and money. Permits, food, supplies for businesses cost a ridiculous amount because we’re in the middle of a tariff war. Everything’s four times more then it should be because the world can’t get it together which causes a lot of strain on small businesses.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most proud of myself for even just trying. When your really good at something and the people that are around you all the time tell you somethings really good, you tend to think they are just saying it because they love you. When you get out into the real world and you own a business and strangers are telling you that they really love what you have to offer it’s a whole different ball game. It’s really validating because strangers mean nothing to you. They don’t have to like your stuff because they’re related to you or because they love you. They come to your business to support you because they like what you have and when people I didn’t even know we’re loving what I had I just felt on top of the world. It changed my mindset and the way I branded my stuff because I was so worried about other people’s opinions until I realized that the quality of what I had to offer and drinks was so much higher end than any other place.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that Raleigh has such a good bar and restaurant vibe. There is good food everywhere and that’s such a fun aspect for everyone because it’s such a huge variety of flavors. I dislike that there isn’t more to do in Raleigh activity wise. In bigger cities they have festivals and things much more often for the public.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brand.site/theportablepartypourer
- Instagram: ThePortablePartyPourer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1VaPfjwTXi/
