Exploring Life & Business with Nathieli Diaz Martinez of Lifted Mobile Bartending

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathieli Diaz Martinez

Nathieli, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello,

I’m Nathieli—Natty to most—and I’m the proud owner of Lifted Mobile Bartending, a high-energy, experience-driven mobile bartending company serving Southern California, including the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Palm Springs regions. I’m honored to share my journey with you all.

Before I ever picked up a cocktail shaker, my first love was the stage. I trained as a professional dancer from my teenage years and into my late twenties. I got my big break touring across the country with acclaimed LA-based dance companies like Contra-Tiempo and Viver Brazil. I was also blessed to perform as a dancer for the Viva Navidad Street Party parade at Disneyland’s California Adventure Park during one holiday season (2019-2020).

Before my dance career took off, I worked as an administrative assistant for The Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, CA where I helped expand their education and outreach programs. I loved it, but, like many of us hustling in California, one job alone didn’t pay the bills.

To make ends meet, I started picking up weekend event gigs in 2015 as a server with CSE (Common Sense Events). Before that, I had worked as a waitress at my uncle’s small Mexican restaurant, El Fogón, near UC Riverside where I was an undergrad student. With CSE, I did it all—server, busser, clean-up crew, events manager and I quickly learned the hustle, logistics, and energy of the special events industry.

Then, one Saturday, the owner of CSE, Jonathan Aymin, asked:
“Can you bartend this Spanish-speaking event?”

I had zero bartending experience—but I jumped in bravely knowing I was going to get paid tips! Under Jonathan’s guidance, I learned to bartend on the fly and never looked back. That moment marked the beginning of my deep dive into the world of special events bartending, from making cocktails for high-end clientele to working high-volume bars at festivals and large-scale events.

From LA to OC, Palm Springs to San Diego, I worked every type of event imaginable. I learned to adapt my service to fit each **client’s unique needs—**whether it was corporate executives, celebrities, or everyday people celebrating their biggest milestones.

From that point on, I became what I like to call a “gypsy bartender.” I worked under various event staffing companies, pouring drinks at golf tournaments, music festivals, military air shows, corporate events, album release parties, celebrity events, and fashion shows. But my true passion was mobile bartending for private events.

Taking the Leap: From Side Hustle to Business Owner
Years of working in diverse bar settings sharpened my instincts. I learned to problem-solve under pressure, elevate guest experiences, and build strong client relationships. Many clients wanted to hire me directly, and as word-of-mouth grew, so did my confidence.

Then, COVID hit. Private events became smaller, and demand for boutique, intimate bartending services grew dramatically. That’s when I made the decision to venture out on my own. At the same time, I was also transitioning out of the dance industry due to a back injury that required time to heal.

Bartending was not only something I loved—it was lucrative. Some weekends, I made in two days what I had once earned in a full week at my 9-5. So I doubled down, built my brand, and began to work on my business.

Today, Lifted Mobile Bartending is growing steadily. I’ve built a team of bartenders, and during peak season we’re able to handle 1-2 events per weekend. We specialize in private and special events—weddings, quinces, birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate events, and more.

Recently, I partnered with Happiest Ours, a wine & spirits shop that provides liquor for my clients while I provide the bartending service—offering a stress-free, all-in-one bar experience. They have also built an incredibly convenient platform where clients can book our bartending services directly and get all the liquor at the same time. Check it out: https://www.happiestours.com/b/lifted-mobile-bartending/.

Next on my list? Securing contracts with event venues and event spaces to provide bartending services and staffing for their events year-round. This has pushed me to refine my sales and negotiation skills, and the lessons I’m learning in this entrepreneurial journey are invaluable for the continued growth of my business.

From dance floors to bar tops, from the arts to the art of cocktails, my journey has been anything but ordinary—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. So cheers to the unexpected paths that lead us exactly where we’re meant to be!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced on this journey has been forging my own path. Becoming your own boss and evolving as an entrepreneur forces you to recognize just how unique your journey truly is. It’s like creating your own map in real time—navigating the unknown, paving roads where none existed before.

Through it all, I’ve learned one invaluable lesson: who you surround yourself with matters. There’s immense power in connecting with people who have built something from the ground up—even if they’re in a completely different industry. Entrepreneurship is a universal language of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. The best lessons often come from those who have already faced the struggle, built their own blueprints, and pushed forward despite the odds.

My roots trace back to Guerrero, Mexico. My parents and I immigrated to the U.S. with very little, but we knew that hard work and focus would help us achieve the American Dream. My mother, a computer parts welder in the tech industry during the late ’90s, later worked as a nanny and housekeeper. My father put in endless hours in factories and restaurants—I remember a time when he juggled three jobs just to save for our home. Their sacrifices, work ethic, and adaptability became the foundation of everything I do.

Also, education was never guaranteed for me as an AB 540 student before DACA, but against the odds, I earned my B.S. in Business Administration (with a minor in Dance) from UC Riverside thanks to DACA and later my Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Loma Linda University. (Side note: I also run my own consulting business for healthcare organizations and small business owners like myself.)

I know I’m not alone in this story. Many of us have fought through similar hurdles, pushing through barriers that weren’t meant to be crossed—but we did it anyway. And now, as entrepreneurs, we’re creating something bigger than just financial freedom. We’re realizing the dreams our parents worked tirelessly for. We’re building the kind of success that would make them proud.

This journey isn’t just about me—it’s about all of us who refuse to accept limitations and instead, create our own paths as business owners.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our Lifted Mobile Bartending motto is – Serving with Soul, Elevating Spirits!
At Lifted Mobile Bartending, we do more than just pour drinks—we elevate your event with an unforgettable cocktail experience! Whether it’s a wedding, quinceañera, corporate event, anniversary, birthday, fundraiser, bachelor/bachelorette party, intimate dinner, or backyard celebration, we bring the perfect blend of professionalism, creativity, and high-energy vibes.

With over a decade of expertise, we specialize in customizing our bartending services and cocktail menus to match your unique taste and vision. Our handcrafted cocktails feature fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and a whole lot of love! More than just bartenders, we’re experience creators and entertainers—setting the tone with positive energy, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and seamless service that allows you and your guests to relax, sip, and savor the moment.

I invite everyone to let Lifted Mobile Bartending take their next celebration to the next level—because great events deserve extraordinary drinks and unforgettable memories!

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Learn to Adapt Quickly!
Right before COVID hit, I was performing for Disney (Winter 2019-2020) when I suffered a severe back injury—two herniated discs in my lumbar region (L4 & L5). Just as I was forced to step away from dancing to heal, the pandemic shut everything down. My performance career was put on hold, my administrative jobs disappeared, and suddenly, I was both jobless and physically unable to do what I loved.

That season of my life was one of the most mentally and physically challenging I’ve ever faced. I had no choice but to pause, heal, and figure out my next move. After taking some much-needed self-care time in Mexico, I returned with a fresh perspective—ready to focus on and build my business.

At first, I was bouncing between temp gigs and side hustles, including selling hair straighteners at the mall (which, surprisingly, taught me valuable sales skills). Meanwhile, as the world adjusted to COVID, I continued bartending—pivoting to small private events. That’s when I landed my first venue contract with The Lautner Compound in Palm Springs as their preferred mobile bartender for micro weddings. With large gatherings on hold, couples still wanted to celebrate—just with smaller guest lists. I capitalized on that shift, and from there, my business grew.

The biggest lesson? Keep moving and adapting.

When I started, I didn’t have a booking platform or a liquor provider. Today, thanks to my partnership with Happiest Ours, clients can easily book bartending services and order liquor all in one place. As technology continues to evolve, so do we—leveraging smarter systems to grow and better serve our clients. I’ve learned that clients value convenience and a stress-free experience, so I’ve built my business around these key principles. There’s always room for growth, but I’ve seen firsthand how technology plays a crucial role in staying ahead as a small business owner offering an in-person, live experience.

We’ve embraced tech not just to make things easier for us, but for our clients as well. I’m truly excited to continue growing and adapting in this industry, especially as technology continues to enhance the way our clients access our services to make their lives easier. Lifted Mobile Bartending is now your one-stop solution for seamless bar service—just one click away from elevating your special event!
🍸✨🙌🏽

Pricing:

• Standard Pricing: $930 for 3 hours, up to 75 guests. Includes: Signature Cocktail Menu, Bartender(s) with Bar Tools, Portable Bar, Ice & Cooler, Garnishes, Mixers, Straws, Napkins, and Cups.
• Pricing varies for events with 75 guests or more, and we can accommodate events of up to 350 guests.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.happiestours.com/b/lifted-mobile-bartending/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifted.mobilebartending/
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