Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonne Rakestraw.
Hi Yvonne , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t start this journey with money, connections, or a clear map. I started with a daughter to raise, bills to pay, and a fire in me that wouldn’t let me settle. Bartending was supposed to be temporary, but it became the one space where I felt in control, creative, and confident. Somewhere between shaking cocktails and holding life together, I realized I wasn’t just working, I was building something that could change my life.
Eleven 21 Mixology wasn’t born out of comfort. It was born out of necessity, faith, and the belief that I could create something meaningful from what I had. I poured myself into the experience. I showed up even when I was tired. I made people feel seen and taken care of, and they came back. That’s when I knew I had something real.
The business grew the same way I did through every mistake, every late night, every moment where I wanted to quit but didn’t. I kept studying, practicing, refining, creating new ideas, and turning them into real experiences. And as the brand expanded, so did my purpose. I found myself teaching, supporting the community, and helping other bartenders step into their own potential. That part changed me.
Today, Eleven 21 Mixology is more than a business. It’s proof that you can start from chaos, from fear, from uncertainty and still build something beautiful. It supports my family. It uplifts people around me. It keeps opening doors I never imagined.
And I’m still growing. I’m still learning. I’m still becoming. I don’t feel like I’ve “made it.” I feel like I’m finally walking in my calling, one disciplined, creative, faith-filled step at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, the first three years of building my business were smooth. I was focused, hungry, and things were moving in the right direction. Even during the pandemic, when a lot of businesses were struggling, we were still thriving because we pivoted into cocktail delivery & mixology 101 via zoom. People were stuck at home and we created an experience they could still enjoy, and that kept us going.
It wasn’t until after those early years that life hit me in a way I didn’t see coming. I lost my sister, then two cousins, all back to back. Before I could even process one loss, another one came. Then I lost another cousin who was basically like a brother. It felt like I was taking hit after hit with no time to breathe or grieve.
Meanwhile, the business didn’t slow down. Clients had events, expectations, and deadlines. So I had to keep showing up, smiling, serving, teaching, creating memories, and carrying grief that felt too heavy to name. That was the hardest part, holding everything together on the outside while falling apart on the inside.
But those years shaped me. They taught me resilience, discipline, and how to build a business that could survive tough seasons. I learned how to pivot, how to protect my energy, and how to turn pain into purpose.
So yes, the beginning was smooth and strong. But the real strength of my business and myself was built in the moments when life gave me every reason to quit and I kept going anyway.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run Eleven 21 Mixology, a company that focuses on creating memorable experiences through cocktails, classes, and curated events. I don’t just bartend. I design moments. I specialize in bringing connection, creativity, and energy into every space I walk into. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, a corporate event, or a private class, people know they’re getting more than drinks. They’re getting an experience that feels personal.
I’m known for my teaching style, my personality, and the way I take care of people. I make mixology simple, fun, and accessible, even for people who have never touched a shaker. My classes sell out because they’re interactive, educational, and full of laughter. And my events feel warm and elevated at the same time. There’s a certain comfort people feel around me and my team, and that’s something you can’t fake.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built. I’ve helped so many new bartenders learn the craft, find confidence, and step into opportunities they didn’t think they were ready for. I’ve also created spaces where people can celebrate life, learn something new, or just have a night they’ll never forget.
What sets me apart is the combination of my creativity, my heart, and my consistency. I don’t cut corners. I care about the details and I care about the people. I show up with energy, professionalism, and intention. Eleven 21 Mixology is not just a service. It’s a feeling. It’s the way I mix care with craft, fun with structure, and elegance with comfort.
I didn’t build this by copying anyone. I built it by listening to people, studying my craft, and staying true to the experience I want to give every client. That’s what makes me different, and that’s why people keep coming back.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I didn’t come into this with a big network or a traditional support system. A lot of what I built came from my own grind, my faith, and learning as I went.
But I definitely had people who played important roles along the way.
My daughter is one of my biggest motivations. She’s watched me build this business from the ground up, and knowing she’s watching keeps me pushing.
My clients deserve endless credit. They trusted me before things were perfect or polished. They booked me, referred me, reposted me, and stood by my business through all its stages. Their support helped carry Eleven 21 Mixology further than any mentor could have.
A few friends and family members encouraged me at times when I needed it most. Some stepped in to help with my daughter so I could take events. Some simply reminded me of my strength when I felt overwhelmed.
And my bartending students and team members inspire me daily. Seeing them grow pushes me to keep elevating.
I didn’t have one big mentor or a clear blueprint. I had people who believed in me in small but powerful ways. Combined with my own discipline and willingness to learn, that made all the difference.
Pricing:
- Signature Mixology Services • Mixology 101 classes start at $85 per person • Private mixology classes begin at $350 for small groups • Murder & Mixology themed experiences start at $48 per person (when the client provides venue and food)
- Bartending Services • Standard bartending packages typically range from $350 to $850 depending on hours, guest count, and setup needs • Full-service premium packages (including mixers, garnishes, water, napkins, cups, décor, and signage) average $18 to $25 per guest • Travel fees apply for events outside the metro area
- Event Enhancements • Cocktail menus and event signage are included with most packages • Add-ons such as custom décor, garnishes, or specialty themes are available upon request • Subscription packages for recurring events are also available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eleven21mix.com
- Instagram: Eleven 21 Mixology
- Facebook: Eleven 21 Mixology
