We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cara Balcom. Check out our conversation below.
Cara, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of building a legacy for my beautiful, smart daughter one she may not fully see yet. I’m showing her, through my actions, what’s possible with hard work, commitment, and endless dedication. It’s the example I’m setting every day, the sacrifices behind the scenes, and the standards I refuse to lower. That’s the part nobody sees but it’s the part that matters most.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Cara, the owner and founder of Throw It Back Mobile Bar and Throw It Back Dirty Soda. I’m also a full-time 9–5 professional, so building two businesses alongside a career and family life has been both my greatest challenge and my greatest pride.
Throw It Back Mobile Bar was created from my love of hospitality, events, and creating unforgettable experiences. We specialize in stylish, high-energy mobile bar service for weddings, private parties, and corporate events across Michigan. Our signature cocktails like our fan-favorite Blueberry Basil Margarita and our fun yet professional service style are what really set us apart. We’re all about great vibes, beautiful presentation, and top-tier service that feels personal and elevated at the same time.
As the brand grew, I launched Throw It Back Dirty Soda, a mobile soda bar concept that brings fun, custom “dirty soda” drinks to events, pop-ups, and celebrations. It’s a family-friendly extension of the brand that lets everyone join in on the fun kids, teens, and adults alike.
What makes my story unique is that everything I’ve built has been done through long nights, early mornings, and relentless dedication while working full time. I’m driven by the desire to create a legacy for my daughter and stepson to show them what’s possible with hard work, commitment, and belief in yourself.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding both brands, growing our presence throughout Michigan, and continuing to elevate the client experience. My goal is to turn Throw It Back into a household name for unforgettable drinks, unforgettable service, and unforgettable moments.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was fearless. I was a little girl with big dreams, wild imagination, and a heart full of belief that anything was possible. I wasn’t worried about being realistic or playing it safe. I just wanted to create, to explore, and to build something that mattered. I wanted freedom. I wanted purpose. I wanted a life that felt like mine.
Somewhere along the way, the world got louder. It told me to be practical, to shrink my dreams, to follow the safe path and stay in my lane. For a while, I listened. I doubted myself. I put my dreams on the back burner and convinced myself they were too big, too risky, too much.
But that little girl never really left.
She’s the reason I started my businesses. She’s the reason I work late nights and wake up early. She’s the reason I refuse to settle for an ordinary life. Building my own path has been my way of finding her again and honoring her.
I’m still her. Just stronger. Just braver. And finally choosing myself.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. Building Throw It Back Mobile Bar and Throw It Back Dirty Soda while working full-time, raising our children and being an amazing wife hasn’t always been easy. There were late nights, doubts, and moments that felt overwhelming.
But those struggles taught me resilience that even when it’s hard, I can keep going. They taught me patience that growth doesn’t happen overnight. And they taught me perspective that the unseen sacrifices and hard work are what make every win meaningful.
Success can bring applause, but suffering teaches you why you do what you do. Every step of building Throw It Back is part of the legacy I’m creating for my family showing my daughter son and my husband that dedication, heart, and perseverance truly matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.throwitbackmi.com
Image Credits
Monika Anderson photography
Prizm image
HPhanphoto
