Today we’d like to introduce you to LaKisha DuCreay.
Hi LaKisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I would describe how La’Creays Bartending Service got started as one word: bittersweet. I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer on January 4, 2016, and during my depression, I found my passion. Imagine finding out your mother had cancer six months before she passed away; the emotional roller-coaster led to me drinking heavily. The non-social drinking turned into creating my very own cocktails at home. It took a year-and-half to pull myself out of the depths of my depression; there was one night that changed it all. I remember it so clearly… I was sitting in the living room for hours. There was no light or sound. At this time, my daughter walked into the room and asked, “Why are you sitting in the dark?” I simply said, “I am thinking,” and I was thinking. I was thinking of a way to make my mother proud. My mother’s final words to me kept replaying in my head, “Key, I trust you’re going to do what you’re supposed to do.” I took her words as “GO BE GREAT! Handle your business!” That’s when I told myself I was going to start my own business. I had no idea what it would be, I just knew I was starting one! The first thing I did was make a list of everything I enjoyed doing. I had been employed at a direct mailing company for 14 years as a Safety Coordinator, so I thought I could possibly start a safety consultant firm or start a CPR training company since I am a licensed CPR instructor.
On my list, I also happened to write that I enjoyed making drinks. I could recall all the many times I happened to be at a house party and ended up taking over the bar to create and serve drinks. I also remembered how fun it was and how good I was at it, too. That is when I realized what I was going to do. On August 1, 2017, I began researching my desired business path: the do’s and don’ts of becoming a bartending. After learning which credentials I needed, I constructed my business plan. I wanted to be in a fun, free, and upbeat environment, all while ensuring that I was my own boss. I wanted to create a bartending service based out of Los Angeles County that would be different; it would have its own unique flare and tasty cocktails, which I call a “flavor party” in your mouth. Most importantly, I also wanted to create job opportunities for other bartenders with the same passion for making cocktails that would represent my brand well. In late August of 2017, I received my bartender license. And in September of 2017, I received my business license. All that was left to do was to finally open La’Creays for business, which is exactly what I did on October 21, 2017. With the help of a few close friends and relatives, I was able to have a successful grand opening at a venue of my choosing. I sold 118 event tickets for my grand opening to invited friends, family, and co-workers, surpassing my original goal. I put God first before I do anything, and I felt like this was a blessing from God. He knew what I was trying to accomplish and open the doors for me to walk through. So here I am today, three years later and still thriving. Since my grand opening, I have bartended at an exceptionally large number of special events, private events, local events, weddings, and birthday parties!
In 2018, I booked my first industry event. A special thank you to Producers Joshua and Carol Martin with (Genius Entertainment) for taking a chance on me. They have been supporting me since we first met. I have also worked for comedian Hannibal Buress at the Miami Nights screening, KevOnStage, MrsKevOnStage, and several of other high-profile clients and film directors. And I am happy to share I am breaking some barriers here being, first African-American to bartend at the Historic Ioamosa in Rancho Cucamonga. I was told by the host they were making an exception for me, as they normally use the in-house bartender when booking events, so it felt amazing to be able to be a part of the special event that was taking place there. I never thought I would make it this far without a marketing company. But that’s where God comes in, putting you in the right place at the right time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part is has been going great! Planning ahead definitely keeps me ahead of my work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about La’Creays Bartending Service?
What sets us apart from others… we are an experienced and come with cocktail entertainment. We create our own signature cocktails using smoke, flames, and a variety of props to enhance our cocktail. La’Creays is a freelance bartending company built from drive and passion for making flavorful, appetizing cocktails that will inspire your taste buds. What sets us apart from others… we are an experienced and come with cocktail entertainment. We create signature cocktails using smoke, flames, and a variety of props to enhance our cocktail experience. Also, we have an under 21 mocktail bar called” La’Creays Minor Mix”. We create fun mocktails for minors by creating a customized menu according to the event theme. What I am most proud about my brand is that is has the ability to expand beyond bartending service. September 2020 La’Creays Bartending service is now a licensed training provider for the American Red Cross. So not only are we a Bartending Service we are a safety company teaching life-saving techniques.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I have great intuition on selecting the type of events to service. When booking an event, I want to make sure I will market to the right audience for future potential business while on the job and off the job; that will bring in more revenue that’s needed to keep the business growing. I value my work and appreciate the hard work that comes with it. Most important the integrity of my company being honest to my clients about what services I can delivery. My last quality will be, maintaining relationships with current clients and building relationships with new and future clients.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@lacreays
- Website: www.lacreays.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHwDFvCDBF7/?igshid=2aycv22jfq0r
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaCreaysBartendingService/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwyTpVvXW2_nf1GHaVuSfAg
Image Credits:
NJP Photography La’Creays Bartending Service
