Daily Inspiration: Meet Tiffany Bowery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Bowery.

Tiffany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I have been in the service industry since I was 15 years old, and I am 34 years old now. As I was getting older, I was feeling more and more pressure to do something else for work. The only issue was that I still didn’t know what I wanted to do. I gave being a realtor a go, but I was also in school for dental hygiene, so I was obviously a little confused and lost. I stayed in my service industry job at a restaurant because I figured working was at least better than not working. I knew other women that had the “luxury” to quit working, and it never seemed to be a positive for them in the long run. I stayed in my server/bartending job because I knew it was keeping my mind sharp, keeping me social, had me engaged in my community, and also kept me on a schedule. I started getting proper treatment for the disease endometriosis that I had since my teenage years but didn’t get diagnosed until 30. The pain started easing up. I finally wasn’t in debilitating pain for 2 weeks out of a month. I think this then positively impacted my quality of life, and I was in a much better head space. I was more positive, feeling more energy, and noticeably in a better mood. I believe this contributed to my decision in starting a small business. 

While all of these new positive changes were happening to me, I was being inspired. I had my mom who was fearless in starting up her own CPR company, Ann Arbor Heart, which has been a success. I had my long-term boyfriend who had 2 successful barber shops, and I had a coworker/friend who started her own business with a repurposed horse trailer into a mobile bar. Throw in a few inspirational episodes from the show “The Bear,” and how can someone not be inspired! I worked a few events with my friend with the mobile bar, and I really enjoyed it. It was too soon for us to figure out a partnership, so I thought, well I could at least market mobile bartending to people in my circle. She was generous enough to give me some tips, which is something I will always be grateful for and want to pay it forward. It grew from there. 

I launched Cocktails at Tiffany’s in February of this year. I set a goal to at least book 10 events this year, and I’m currently at 22 booked events, and it’s been 5 months. My family and friends’ support has meant so much to me, and I don’t think I would have made the leap if it weren’t for them. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been mostly smooth so far. I am someone that likes to be very prepared, so that has helped. Some of the struggles could be not charging correctly in the beginning. When I sell a package, I’m bringing a bar, ice, cups, straws, fresh squeezed juices, edible flowers, fresh herbs, flowers for the bar, coolers, mixers, batched cocktails, framed menus, and helping with alcohol shopping lists. I sometimes was only charging for half of this and then going into my own pocket for the rest. You quickly learn to adjust the prices; otherwise, I will never profit, and it’s a waste of time. Also, the amount of hours BEFORE an event needs to be accounted for. A five-hour event can sometimes have an additional 15 hours of prep. It’s a lot of work before an event to run around getting everything needed, prepping the fruit and juices, and then hauling 400 pounds of ice across town is a job in itself. I quickly learned, and I’m still learning lessons at each event I work. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My business is Cocktails at Tiffany’s, and I provide mobile bartending services in Michigan for events. I specialize in coming up with fun signature drinks, and I bring an elevated bar vibe to private parties, showers, weddings…etc. I am known for using other local businesses’ products at my bar and using a sustainable brand of upscale disposable glassware made from recycled bottles. 

I am most proud of being able to provide an extra job or two to other bartenders. Sometimes an extra shift here or there can really help, and I’m happy to be able to offer that. I am also really proud that so many clients trust in my business for such a special day to them. My most proud moment so far has been being able to be of service to a gentleman throwing his wife a surprise 70th birthday party that he had been planning for several months. He went above and beyond to make it such a special day for her, and it ended up being the most beautiful and rewarding night. 

I go above and beyond for clients that book with us. I always try to bring my special touches, such as fresh florals for the bar and fresh farm-to-drink garnishes. I try to support other local businesses by incorporating their products, such as Mimidae Beverage Company’s shrubs, or using urban farmers from southwest Detroit, Jim, and Peter’s Farms’ edible flowers in my signature drink and also encouraging clients to use local distillery’s products such as Weiss Distillery based out of Clawson. I think this sets me apart from others because I’m always trying to think of ways to showcase other local businesses within my own. 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I sort of carry this old-school mentality when it comes to the workplace. I’m always early, I never call in or call off a job, I always aim to look presentable, always carry physical business cards on me, and I think it’s important to be professional. From being a realtor, I also learned you need to move quickly and that time is of the essence; otherwise, an opportunity can be lost. 

I also carry this characteristic that I adapted during my years of having endometriosis while working, which is to push through while smiling. No matter how much pain I was in, my tables or bar never knew it because I would always show up and do my job with a smile even though it was tough to stand up straight from pain. So, no matter how stressed out or tired I may be at certain times with this new business, I will always push through and deliver. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cocktailsattiffs?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==