Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Brianne Kilmartin of Santa Clarita

We recently had the chance to connect with Brianne Kilmartin and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Brianne, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Every year this business continues to exceed what I thought was possible. Just when I feel like we’ve reached our ceiling, our team, our vision, and our momentum prove there’s always another level to climb.

Even in the middle of our busiest month — with 24 events in December alone — we still made time to gather for a staff holiday party. That’s when I shared a few highlights from 2025, and it really hit me: standing in that room with this incredible team, reflecting on the 147 events we were fortunate to be part of, was one of the proudest moments of my career.

And the most exciting part? We’re just getting started.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Bri Kilmartin, founder of Happy Trails Bar Co., a Southern California-based mobile bartending and beverage experience company that focuses on turning events into something truly memorable. What began as a passion for hospitality and creativity has grown into a brand known for custom bars, thoughtful drink menus, and highly personalized guest experiences.

What makes Happy Trails special is that we do more than serve drinks. We create experiences. From luxury weddings and private celebrations to large-scale brand activations and corporate events, every detail is intentional. The bar setup, the glassware, the garnishes, and especially the way our team connects with guests. We are proud to work with planners, creatives, and major brands who trust us to bring their vision to life in a way that feels elevated, warm, and unforgettable.

At the heart of everything we do is our team. They bring energy, professionalism, and genuine care to every single event. As we continue to grow, we are focused on expanding our experiential offerings, building deeper brand partnerships, and redefining what mobile bartending can look like. Our goal has always been simple: to create something people do not just attend, but truly remember.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work are my parents, Brian and Janice Smith. They have been serial entrepreneurs for as long as I can remember, and growing up around that mindset shaped everything I know about dedication, resilience, and believing in your own ideas.

Even today, they are some of my biggest supporters. They follow the journey of Happy Trails all the way from Philpot, Kentucky, cheering us on from afar and reminding me where my work ethic comes from every single day.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear of failure held me back the most, especially in the early days before Happy Trails Bar Co. When your livelihood is tied to a risk like starting a business, and you know people are watching, that fear feels very real. I think it’s completely normal to feel that way.

What I’m grateful for is that I chose to move forward anyway. I still fail and make mistakes all the time, but I’ve learned that growth comes from doing, not waiting for perfect. The best thing you can do is surround yourself with inspiration, whether that is people, other small businesses, or bold ideas. At some point, you just have to take the leap and go for it.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, absolutely. The public version of me is the real me, because Happy Trails was built on authenticity from day one. What you see online is exactly who I am in real life. I share the wins, the struggles, and everything in between, because I believe people connect most with honesty, not perfection.

You’ll often see me on camera talking about the good, the bad, and the messy parts of building a business, and that is very intentional. I never wanted Happy Trails to feel overly polished or untouchable. I wanted it to feel real, human, and relatable. At the end of the day, what you see is truly what you get, and I am proud that our brand reflects that same transparency and heart.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When have you had to bet the company?
Most of our events typically fall in the 50 to 200 guest range. Then, in just my second year of business, we received two major opportunities from the same client. One was a hot cocoa service for 2,500 guests, and the other was a coffee service for 6,000 guests, both far beyond anything we had ever done before.

To make it even more meaningful, this client had previously had a rough experience with another company that simply could not keep up with demand. I sat down with my team, we planned for weeks, and we went all in. Fast forward three years later, and we are still proudly producing those events and continuing that partnership.

That experience changed everything for me. It showed me what this team is capable of, and it gave me the confidence to say with certainty that our company can handle anything we put our minds to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.happytrailsbar.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happytrailsbarco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happytrailsbarco
• Yelp: https://share.google/OubfEExtnupTnLtfF

Image Credits
The DeLaCastros
The Palomino Home
LilyRo Photography
AIRN Media