Conversations with Tara Barfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Barfield

Hi Tara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have been bartending for over 15 years now. I first went to bartending school when I was in college in Texas. When I came back home to Atlanta, I started my career doing bartending for private events, as well as working at a wine bar called Vino Libro in Glenwood Park. From there I have bounced around working everywhere from hotels to clubs. In 2022 a friend asked me to bartend for her bachelorette party up in DC which of course I agreed to. The event was such a success I decided to open my own business officially. My older sister also bartends, my younger brother bar backs, and my god sister helps me with business admin as well as bar backs for me so the business has become a sort of family business. Ever since starting the business, the number of events I am doing on average has been steadily increasing. Favorite Weekend Bartender has now bartended for events that stretch the gamut from baby showers to celebrations of life for those recently lost… from weddings to grand openings to business mixers, small and corporate… I enjoy helping clients with planning the event of their dreams and then seeing that vision come to fruition. Most of all, I enjoy being that positive energy in the room that keeps the event running smoothly and enjoyable for all of the host’s guest… whether by serving beautiful and delicious cocktails or by providing a little bar therapy to those who may be in need. My goal at the end of the day is to bring smiles to all those that I encounter and hopefully make their day a little brighter.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Because I also have 3 other jobs (Truist, Marriott, and Rumors) I often have to choose between working an event for my business, working my other jobs, spending quality time with my children, or getting sleep. In order to keep all my jobs and still accept events for my business, many days I go straight from one to the other to the next with no sleep or breaks in between. To help balance priorities I am now in the process of adding additional bartenders. I find this part to be very scary as I am trusting others with my baby, that they will deliver the same quality level of service as I would without me there. Growing pains are real but it is also very exciting!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work for Truist as a Digital Analyst, and I work for Marriott and Rumors as a bartender.

My business Favorite Weekend Bartender is a mobile bartending service for private events. We also provide planning, procurement and prep services as well as we can help to source other party needs as well (such as catering, DJs, photographers, venues, etc).

I believe what sets Favorite Weekend Bartender apart from other private bartenders is my ability to tailor every details to the unique needs of each event. From the drinks, to the set up and delivery, to the decorations… I want each client to feel like I made THEIR vision a reality.

I leave every event thinking “I am most proud of this event so far!”… But then the next event comes and I top myself each time. I learn something new from each event and I enjoy pushing the envelope, exploring options, and expanding my repertoire.

What matters most to you? Why?
My children and their future is number 1. I want to prepare them the best I can and hopefully leave them the foundation of a legacy that they can build off of.
2nd most important to me is my family. My family has had a lot of downs and hard blows. I hope to be the rock we need to anchor us through the next storm and maybe even the sail that can bring us all to more calm and peaceful and beautiful waters.
3rd most important thing to me is leaving a positive impact of those that I encounter and on the world as a whole when I am gone.

Pricing:

• Base package is $240 for 4hrs.
• Black tie package is $320 for 4hrs.
• Burlesque package is $400 for 4hrs.
• Beyond package is $480 for 4hrs.
• Additional services and add ons are available. Pricing upon request.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @favweekendbartender
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tara.barfield.357?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: TickTock @favweekendbartender