Today we’d like to introduce you to Monae Mitchell.
Hi Monae, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and I had what I would consider a wonderful childhood. I grew up in a house of seven as the youngest daughter in a family full of entertainers, musicians, healthcare professionals, and military personnel. There was never a dull moment, and it was certainly never quiet! I’ve always been theatrical, outgoing, and, as my family would probably tell you, the life of the party.
One of the biggest influences on who I am today is the way my family approaches life. The matriarchs on both sides of my family have always believed in celebrating and giving thanks, not just for major milestones, but for simply being here. We find reasons to celebrate everything: birthdays, accomplishments, the lives of those we’ve lost, or even a random Tuesday because we haven’t seen each other in a while. Growing up in that environment taught me the importance of community, fellowship, gratitude, and making memories with the people you love. Looking back, I realize those experiences played a much bigger role in shaping my career than I initially understood.
I always envisioned myself working in healthcare. I grew up around healthcare professionals, and science was something I naturally gravitated toward. I originally pictured myself taking the traditional pre-med route, possibly becoming an anesthesiologist or optometrist. I attended Winthrop University, where I earned my degree in Biology. After graduating, I took some time to figure out what I wanted my next academic and professional chapter to look like.
During that transition, something unexpected happened. I started bartending.
I had always been the person my family called on to help with the drinks at gatherings, and I had even experimented with a small side business in college called Moe’s Flava’s. When I landed my first serving job, it didn’t take long for me to transition behind the bar. I fell in love with the craft, the creativity, and especially the people. Eventually, I decided to take an in-person bartending course and started thinking differently. I remember thinking, if I can do this for someone else, why can’t I do it for myself?
My manager gave me an opportunity to bartend my first private event outside of the restaurant, and from there, history was made. I hit the ground running and eventually established Kall Me Tipsy, my mobile bartending business.
Today, I’ve embarked on an entirely new professional journey as a sonographer, bringing me back to the healthcare and science fields I originally envisioned for myself. At the same time, Kall Me Tipsy is evolving into something new right before my eyes.
I may not have become exactly who I pictured myself being as a little girl, but I genuinely think I turned out even better. I’ve learned that you don’t have to fit into one box, and sometimes the most fulfilling opportunities come from paths you never planned to take. My faith, family, friends, and drive have carried me through every chapter, and I am excited about what is still ahead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! One of my biggest challenges was stepping into an industry where I knew very little about the business side of things. I understood the science behind creating cocktails, but running a business was an entirely different experiment. I had to learn through experience, make mistakes, figure things out, and sometimes learn the hard way. Trust me, I’ve made plenty of them! I’m still learning, and I think that’s an important part of being an entrepreneur.
Another challenge has been navigating imposter syndrome, particularly as a young Black woman in an industry where I sometimes felt like I had to prove that I belonged. I started bartending at 21 and began building my business at 23. There were moments when I questioned myself because I didn’t know as much as the people around me or because I felt my age somehow made me less qualified. I’ve had to learn that I don’t need to know everything to deserve a seat at the table.
Balancing everything has probably been the most demanding part of my journey. At one point, I was managing a full-time job, being a full-time student, a growing business, and trying to maintain a social life. My schedule looked something like school Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., work Monday through Thursday from 2:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m., and Kall Me Tipsy events Friday through Sunday. Whatever time I could find in between was either dedicated to having a little fun or, most importantly, catching up on sleep!
It was a demanding and, honestly, sometimes unhealthy season. I sacrificed a lot to get to where I am, but it taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of believing in something even when the process isn’t easy.
I’ve received awards, competed in competitions and won, been honored, and had opportunities to speak on panels, but I still feel like I have so much more to accomplish. I’m learning to give myself credit for how far I’ve come while remaining excited about where I’m going. Being a Black woman business owner means I’m still navigating and creating my own path, but I’m also showing other young professionals that we belong in these spaces and that we can hang with the greats.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the founder and CEO of Kall Me Tipsy, a Charleston-founded, Black woman-owned mobile bartending business. I like to think of myself as a Cocktail Scientist because my approach to mixology is rooted in my educational background in biology and my love for creativity.
What makes my work particularly unique is that I never intended to turn my biology degree into a cocktail business. But in a way, it made perfect sense to me. I approach cocktail creation similarly to how I approached experiments in the laboratory: understanding ingredients, studying how they interact, experimenting with proportions, and creating something through a little science and a lot of creativity.
Kall Me Tipsy started with a love for bartending, but it quickly became something much bigger. I specialize in mobile bartending and creating cocktail experiences for celebrations and special events. I enjoy the opportunity to take someone’s vision and bring it to life through the drinks, the presentation, and the overall experience.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just interested in making a drink. I’m interested in the craft and culture behind it. I want people to appreciate the ingredients, the creativity, and the thought that goes into what they’re enjoying. I also want to challenge the idea that everyone in my generation drinks simply for the feeling of it. There is an appreciation for the artistry, technique, and culture of mixology that deserves just as much recognition.
My personality is also a huge part of my work. I come from a family where celebrations and bringing people together have always been important. That naturally translates into the experiences I create. I believe hospitality is about more than serving someone; it’s about making people feel welcomed, included, and part of something memorable.
One of my proudest accomplishments is being able to employ people, train them, and watch them take what I’ve taught them and teach others. That’s when I realized that what I was building had grown beyond me. I’m not just creating cocktails or providing a service; I’m creating opportunities for other people.
I’ve learned that my personality may open doors, but my work ethic, consistency, and willingness to grow are what keep them open. I’m intentional about continuing to challenge myself, perfect my craft, and never become too comfortable with what I know.
Kall Me Tipsy is currently transforming into something new, and I’m excited to see where that evolution takes us. I can’t share all the details just yet, but I can say this is only the beginning!
How do you think about happiness?
Honestly, what makes me happy is being able to experience life with the people I love. I’m a firm believer that life doesn’t always have to give you a major milestone or a special occasion to find a reason to celebrate. Sometimes a random Tuesday, a good meal, music playing in the background, and everybody being together is more than enough.
I grew up in a family where there was always something to celebrate, and I think that has followed me into adulthood. I love bringing people together, creating experiences, laughing, making memories, and being surrounded by good energy. I’m naturally a people person, so seeing others happy and knowing I played even a small part in creating that moment brings me joy.
I’m also happy when I’m creating something. Whether that’s experimenting with a new cocktail, building my business, learning something new in healthcare, or watching an idea come to life, I love seeing what can happen when creativity meets determination.
My faith, family, and friendships are also a huge part of my happiness. I’m grateful for the people who support me, challenge me, celebrate me, and remind me to enjoy the journey instead of constantly focusing on what’s next.
Ultimately, I think happiness is found in the ability to appreciate where you are while still being excited about where you’re going. I’m learning to celebrate the little things just as much as the big ones, and that’s something I hope I never lose.
Pricing:
- Kall Me Tipsy offers customized mobile bartending packages for private events, weddings, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations.
- Pricing varies based on guest count, event duration, staffing, bar setup, and the services requested.
- We offer both service-only and customized bar service options. Interested clients can reach out directly for a personalized quote.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kallmetipsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kallmetipsy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092652674350
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-kocktail-lab/pl.u-qxyl0v6s2RL6e20
