We recently had the chance to connect with Mrs. Bret Cooley-Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Bret, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My typical days starts with a hot cup of coffee or tea, checking emails and playing MonolopyGo
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bret Cooley-Jones and I am the proud owner of Shaken & Stirred Bartending By B Alexandria. My company offers mobile bartending services with multiple package options to include; full bars, signature drinks, mocktail & mimosa/sangria bar options.
Our team consists of 4 ladies that all offer such an array of skills and top tier customer service. We also offer security services. We are currently working on adding dirty sodas to our list of services.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I am proud to say my father taught me most about work and the importance of upholding a good work ethic. In 45 years of work until he retired my father went to work with the intent to always do his best , he instilled in us to continuously put forth your best effort and work hard and with integrity. I can’t recall a time I saw my father call out or show up late for work. I believe this helped me when I started working to prove I was a valuable employee and that helped me succeed in the corporate world. When I embarked on this journey of owning a business and becoming my own boss I truly believe the values that I was not only taught but shown as a child is what helped me get as far as I have come. My clients know when booking with us that they will get a team that offers great and solid communication, punctuality, professionalism and care and we treat every event with the same upbeat energy.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of starting. Trusting myself enough to just start and having the understanding that failures and setbacks are just stepping stones for greater comebacks. Life lessons are taught thru experiences which are a combination of ups and downs. Starting is the first and hardest step.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes indeed. Based off client testimonials after weeks/months of emails/calls/texts etc the in person interaction is so authentic and easy. I truly enjoy what I do and my clients just like my friends/family get the real me (quirks included). I have the belief that showing up as your real self is the honest way to run a business as it creates that client/vendor bond that leaves an everlasting impression.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! I was raised to always give my best to everything I did and not for others but for myself. That feeling of completing a hard task , overcoming an obstacle and obtaining a goal is for me more for self gratification. I am my biggest cheerleader.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/shakenandstirred.bartendingnc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakenandstirred_bartendingnc?igsh=NW9kOW8wajl0bTc4&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bQjioD6cm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/g5lX_zckf4
