Cryssy Spruill, Owner, and Chief Mixologist for Cocktails by Cryssy has provided Professionalism, Honestly and Very Delicious Libations since 2018. Her business Cocktails by Cryssy is a full-service mobile bartending company based in the Washington, DC area that specializes in creating an experience for special events. Spruill is a social butterfly with a heart of gold who strives to ensure the events that she services are one of a kind and memorable.
She has worked with a host of clientele that ranges from media personalities to sports agencies. In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, she launched a highly successful drink distribution service that brings quality libations to the comfort of your home. She lives by her motto, “Let us mix, while you mingle.
Please tell us a little bit about your company – what is Cocktails by Cryssy all about?
Cocktails by Cryssy is a mobile bartending company located in the Washington DC area. We provide experiences for local brides and social events. We have flair bartenders, cocktail waitresses and Banquet servers to service any event.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
I started out as a Mixologist. I am a creator of very delicious libations. Inspired by a strong passion for creating experiences for our clients and our guests. This is what started Cocktails by Cryssy. In the midst of a pandemic I launched a successful business and created a drink distribution service during Cinco de Mayo. I wanted to provide memorable experiences to guests while serving high quality libation
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
Passion, Dedication and Drive are required for any endeavor to be successful. When you are passionate you will go above and beyond for your dream. Dedication will keep you motivated to ensure your dream comes to fruition and last but not least Drive will keep you going when you want to give up.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
Our future consists of providing top notch experiences for our guests. We also look forward to launching new umbrellas under the Cocktails by Cryssy brand in 2021. Stay tuned.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business and what did you learn from it?
1. Marketing (some websites are a money pit for marketing purposes).
2. Finances: be sure you are budgeting and keeping accurate records for your business and tax purposes.
3. Team: Be sure you are vetting staff that you can confidently trust while at events. You want to hire like minded people that would take care of things professionally and that are honest.
How do you go about marketing your business and what has been the most successful form of marketing for you?
We have listed our business on many of the popular booking platforms for brides and other planners to find us. Thumbtack, WeddingWire and The Knot are a few notable sites. The best marketing for your business are the images that you collect at every event and photos of your product. High quality photos are a must.
What must happen for you to consider your business a success? And when do you predict it will happen?
My business will be considered successful when it runs itself without so much input from me. Running a business is a 24/7- 365 day job – There are no off days, you are constantly responding to emails, event inquiries, and providing content for your customers. The Passion for your business is required because running a business takes a lot out of you emotionally, physically, and can completely change your life. You have to have passion because it’s the drive that will provide you with the energy to keep going. Even when the clients are no longer calling. Believe in yourself and your business. Trust me it’s worth it.
What are the top 3 online tools and resources you’re currently using to grow your company?
Instagram, Facebook, Clubhouse
What are three books or courses you recommend for new entrepreneurs?
- Marketing Made Simple by Donald Miller,
- Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
If you had the chance to start your career over again what would you do differently?
Absolutely nothing. I jumped out there and ran with my passion. If I had the choice I’d do it time and time again.
If you only had $100 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
Definitely would invest it in marketing and branding for my business.
How can we get in touch with you?
We can be reached via social media at: Instagram: @cocktailsbycryssy; Facebook: @CocktailsbyCryssy Website: www.cocktailsbycryssy.com. or for Event inquires: cocktailsbycryssy@icloud.com.
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