Today we’d like to introduce you to Pedro Machado.
Hi Pedro, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began when I emigrated to Panama. Completely unexpectedly, I was given the opportunity to take a bartending course. It was something I had never imagined myself doing, but as an immigrant, I was willing to work at whatever opportunity came my way.
As I learned the craft, I realized I had found my calling. To me, a bartender is much more than someone who mixes drinks. A bartender is a psychologist, a friend, a therapist, and a host. We are there to welcome every person who sits at the bar, creating a space where they can relax, celebrate, or simply express themselves.
Later, I moved to the United States. My first job was in construction, and while I was grateful for the opportunity, I quickly realized how demanding life can be here. I knew I wanted to build a better future, but I also wanted to earn a living doing something I genuinely loved. I didn’t want work to feel like work—I wanted it to be something I was passionate about.
During the pandemic, I started making cocktail videos for YouTube simply because I enjoyed it. With very little money, I bought a small portable bar and the most affordable bartending tools I could find. I began advertising my bartending services on Facebook, even though I had no idea how much to charge or how to run a business. I just wanted someone to give me a chance.
One day, someone reached out because they were hosting a house party and wanted to hire a bartender. I quoted a very low price because my goal wasn’t to make money—it was to gain experience. I wanted my first event to teach me what I could improve, what clients expected, and how I could shape the experience I dreamed of offering.
After that first event, a friend invited me to bartend her birthday party. At that celebration, I met an event planner, and from that moment on, everything changed. That was in 2021, and I haven’t stopped since.
Today, I bartend as many as 12 events in a single month.
What makes my service different is that I personalize every experience. I customize cocktails for each event, I always wear my signature hat, and I dress professionally because I believe people should feel special from the moment they see their bartender. Every cocktail I make includes a personal touch, whether it’s an extra ingredient to enhance the flavor, a unique garnish, or a creative presentation.
I also love surprising my clients with something extra. Sometimes it’s complimentary Jell-O shots, an additional signature cocktail, or multiple variations of the same drink. My goal is always to exceed expectations rather than simply meet them.
The greatest reward has been the trust my clients place in me. Many of them invite me back year after year—not only for their birthdays, but also for their children’s birthdays, baptisms, quinceañeras, weddings, and other family celebrations. Some families have already reserved dates with me for next year.
Every event tells a different story. Every celebration introduces me to a new culture and new people. I’ve had the privilege of serving Latino, Asian, African, and American communities, among many others. Connecting with people from so many different backgrounds has become one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
Today, my company is called Flow Station, and what started as a small dream with a portable bar has grown into a business that serves clients throughout North Carolina. I’ve traveled from Charlotte to Greensboro, Raleigh, and many other cities, bringing unforgettable cocktail experiences wherever the celebration takes me.
Looking back, I’m grateful that I said yes to an opportunity I never expected. What began as a way to survive as an immigrant became my passion, my career, and my purpose. Flow Station is more than a mobile bar service—it’s my way of creating memorable experiences, one cocktail and one celebration at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been 100% easy. One of my first challenges was that some of the people around me didn’t support me or believe in my vision. Ironically, once they started seeing the results, they wanted to be part of it.
At first, I also thought that the language barrier would be one of my biggest obstacles. But I soon realized that the language of hospitality and bartending is something I speak fluently. When you genuinely love what you do, passion has a way of overcoming barriers.
I’ve learned that when you do something with passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to serve others, things begin to flow naturally. That passion has helped me connect with people from many different backgrounds and has been one of the biggest reasons Flow Station continues to grow.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m incredibly proud that I’ve been able to build and sustain my business for so many years. Flow Station is something I created from an idea that started entirely in my own mind, and seeing it grow into a successful business has been one of my greatest accomplishments.
What I love most is the opportunity to connect with people. Every event is unique, and I approach each celebration as a new challenge to create an unforgettable experience for my clients and their guests.
What truly sets me apart is my mindset. I don’t see myself as someone who simply serves cocktails. I create experiences. Every drink is crafted with care, creativity, and a personal touch because I want my clients and their guests to remember more than just the cocktails—I want them to remember how they felt. My goal is to leave every celebration with memories that last long after the last drink has been served.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite memories from childhood is how my parents and my aunt always made an effort to create special moments for my sister and me. They would take us to explore new places, visit beaches, parks, and restaurants, or simply spend quality time together on the weekends.
It didn’t matter if the outing was simple or extravagant. What mattered was that they made us feel loved, valued, and included. Looking back, I realize those experiences taught me that the best memories aren’t created by expensive things—they’re created by the time and care we share with the people we love.
I believe those childhood experiences have shaped who I am today. They inspired my desire to create meaningful experiences for others, which is exactly what I strive to do through Flow Station at every event.
Pricing:
- I offer several pricing packages, but I always start by asking my clients about their budget for having a bar service at their event. Based on that, I create a completely customized package that fits their needs, vision, and budget. I believe every celebration is unique, so instead of offering a one-size-fits-all service, I work closely with each client to design an experience that reflects their event while providing the best possible value.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowstationusa?igsh=MWh0bTBwZTcyZmF6Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/198MkXUa4j/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@flowstationusa?si=YIRW7mhiXUgp_Pnq
