Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivo Peshev.
Hi Ivo, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love affair with everything cocktails and bartending started at the age of 17 in my native Bulgaria. Passing through a street bar in the city of Sofia, I was mesmerized by two flair bartenders who were putting on what I can only describe as the most choreographed show I have ever seen. A show of creativity, speed, accuracy, energy, and character – the fascination with the craft was instant! However, what stood with me then, and over time, even more than the tricks and the pretty drinks, was the apparent desire to elevate the experience for their guest and the genuine pride these bartenders took from their “job”. This was the moment that kickstarted my entire career.
I took this “do it right and keep elevating” mentality to every F&B job I ever had. After bartending, managing, and directing bar programs for over 15 years in my native Bulgaria and later California, I felt it was time to take my skills and the knowledge I gained over the years to give back to my community and that’s how Flair Project came to be.
The company actually started as, what I call, a modern bartending school. While our main goal was, of course, to teach aspiring bartenders the art of making cocktails, we also wanted to inspire the young generation of beverage professionals through the “do it right and keep elevating” mentality.
And we took that mentality with us when it was time to enter the event world. Sitting through countless events and consulting jobs with my team of mixologists and flair bartenders, we notice a tremendous need for better service, improved cocktails, and, of course, the key element of every successful event, entertainment. The era of pre-batched cocktails and tablecloth bars was coming to an end. Clients simply wanted more than diluted vodka-sodas and table bars on raisers, so we transformed Flair Project from a bartending school to a cocktail catering company with one simple motto “Bringing your bar to life.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think that building a business comes easily to anyone. This is especially true when you really care about more than just the bottom line.
Yes, building Flair Project took a lot of effort and transformation, but it was the desire to chase our vision and not surrender to “let’s just do what works” that I found most challenging.
We’ve been impressed with Flair Project, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Flair Project is a full-service beverage company equipped to accommodate events of all types and sizes. We have one dedication: to create the most spectacular memories by bringing event bars to life with crafted cocktails served with style.
Whether you are a client or a planner, planning an event is never easy and there are no redos. We understand that.
Beyond the bar, our goal is to help our clients plan the perfect celebration, regardless of the type or size. From the preliminary meeting with our clients; to handling all the bar-related vendors; to the final clean-up, we are here to ensure that every detail is taken care of.
We truly believe that the right cocktail can transform even the most mundane event into something magical and unforgettable. We work one on one with the client to create signature concoctions that tell their story, complement their menu and suit their budget. We use only seasonal ingredients, top-shelf spirits, freshly pressed juice, artisan garnishes, and handmade infusions.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Collaborations come in many forms – from becoming a part of the team to working on a project together. For us, who you are and what you do is important, but even more so is how we can benefit the client together.
It starts with the right mindset. If you have the “do it right and keep elevating” mentality, then we want to hear what you want to say.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flairprojectsb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flair_projectsb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flairprojectsb
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/flairprojectsb
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC167C44ZfKS232bLagbr-Aw
