Lani Milton is someone who recognizes a good idea when she thinks of it. A few years ago, she had an idea for a mobile beverage service. Today, Pour’d Perfections is setting the standard for this unique business model.
Tell me about Pour’d Perfections. What kind of services does it offer?
Pour'd Perfections has two faces to the business. One side is a mobile bar service, and the other side is a lemonade business. We bring the fun to any party. Our bartenders pour specialty cocktails and mocktails for corporate events, weddings and any party in Northeast Florida. We love creating themed drinks to enhance a party. For the lemonade side of the business, we provide freshly squeezed lemonades for festivals, sporting events as well as school/church events.
Are there certain types of events that really go well with what Pour’d Perfections offers?
If there are beverages at the event, then we go well with it! As a host of a party, there are so many details that you have to worry about. We love showing up and providing the specialty cocktails so the host can focus on their guests. We will mix up some specialty drinks and provide with a smile.
Do you have any special setups that you use with specific events? If so, tell us a little bit about that.
We can accommodate any location. We have the horse trailer which is a fun and memorable way to serve beverages. For an indoor setting, we also have a custom-made wooden bar. We also work in a lot of venues that have a built-in bar, and we just service from there.
One of the unique aspects of your business is the trailer you mentioned. Another is your popup mobile bar. Tell me a little about how and when you use them.
Every event is unique in the location, budget and experience. The trailer is perfect when there is outdoor space; it is fun to watch our guests come up to the window and be amazed with the beverages and services that happen from the confines of the trailer. The mobile bar is perfect for house parties and celebrations where space is a little more limited.
What is your background?
I have been in the meeting and event industry my entire career. I have years of experience as a corporate meeting planner. With technology enhancements, hospitality looks different than it used to. I am committed to keeping the art of hospitality alive. I employ a lot of local teens to help with the lemonade side of the business and hope to teach them about interacting with customers and running a small business and providing excellent service.
How did you get the idea for this unique business?
I was looking for a side gig and stumbled across a similar business out of Tallahassee. I did a lot of research prior to opening the business and found the converted trailer a few weeks later. I had to have an honest look in the mirror to see if this was something I wanted to try. It was a big risk and something I had never done before and was doing it alone. The trailer got dropped off at my house and from there I had to learn to tow it and run a business!
When we last spoke, I think the concept of Pour’d Perfections was still pretty new. Are people becoming more familiar with it and seeking you out for their events?
Pour'd Perfections is almost three years old. It is an honor when we get hired back to work on annual events or festivals. I network a lot for my business, but nothing is more special when a repeat customer reaches out.
What do you like best about what you do?
Being a part of making memories for people, we are a small part of an event or festival, but the part that we play is our best takeaway.
What do you like best about living on the First Coast?
Watching this big little city mature and grow over the years is my favorite part. New businesses and neighbors making their debut to the area is a great way for the First Coast to thrive.
