Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny.
Hi Sunny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been behind the bar since I was 18, and I fell in love with the art of cocktails pretty much right away. There’s something so personal about it—whether you’re in a dive bar in Dallas or a rooftop in Perth, Australia (yes, I’ve bartended across the globe!), a good cocktail and a little conversation can tell you everything you need to know about a place and its people.
Over the years, I moved from bartending to managing bars to event coordination – soaking up every angle of the business. But it wasn’t until I moved from Austin to Marietta that I dove into event bartending—and it completely changed the game for me. I worked with an amazing company for about three years and really learned the ropes and most importantly, how meaningful this work can be. It’s not just about mixing drinks—it’s about creating connection.
That’s what sparked The Sweet Dahlia. I wanted to build something beautiful and intentional. A business rooted in warmth, artistry, and my culture. Something that could make an impact—not just for guests, but for the communities we serve.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Struggles? Oh, absolutely. There’s been plenty—from not knowing which direction to take, to having too many ideas and not enough time. I had a failed truck project that I dumped a lot of money and time into, and when it didn’t work out, it really made me question if this path was for me. That one hit hard.
There have been financial setbacks, creative burnout, moments of doubt—you name it. It’s been messy and humbling. But honestly, I think that’s just the natural rhythm of building something real—at least for me. Nothing good comes easy. There’s always going to be friction and growth and that uncomfortable in-between.
But with the right mix of pressure, a whole lot of pivoting, and a community that kept believing in me (even when I didn’t fully believe in myself), I found my way. And that journey has made it all so much more meaningful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Sweet Dahlia Mobile Bar ?
The Sweet Dahlia Mobile Bar started as a little dream tucked in the back of my mind—just this idea of creating something beautiful, soulful, and rooted in real connection. I’ve always loved the art of a well-made cocktail, but even more than that, I love what happens around it: the laughter, the stories, the way a drink can bring people together. So when I launched The Sweet Dahlia, I knew it had to be more than just a bar. It had to feel intentional—from the drinks to the setup to the energy we bring into a space.
We specialize in handcrafted, pre-batched cocktails served from a mobile bar that’s styled with care and heart. Picture a boho garden party with a little edge—where everything from the playlist to the garnish feels thoughtfully curated. But it doesn’t stop at cocktails. We also offer personal event curation, elevated mocktails, fresh juice bars, and even a dirty soda bar. It’s all about creating a vibe that fits your moment.
But at the core, The Sweet Dahlia is deeply personal. It’s a love letter to my roots and to the woman who raised me. This business was inspired by—and carved out of—love for my mother, Cristina, who immigrated here from Mexico and built a life for her daughters that we could’ve never dreamed of. Watching her work tirelessly every day and still come home and give us love, joy, and the little moments that made us feel whole—that lit a flame in me. She showed me that anything is possible when it’s fueled by love and resilience.
The name itself is a nod to our heritage—the dahlia is the national flower of Mexico, and you’ll taste those cultural influences in many of our cocktails. This isn’t just a business—it’s an homage. A celebration of where we come from and where we’re going.
In our culture, we celebrate life—because we know it’s not forever. That’s why I take these events to heart. They’re not just parties; they’re moments in someone’s timeline. And the fact that I get to be a part of that? That’s sacred to me. For me, it’s never just about the drinks. It’s about the energy, the intention, and the memories we help create.
What are your plans for the future?
The dream is to keep growing The Sweet Dahlia in ways that feel aligned and meaningful. I’d love to expand our offerings—more curated mocktail and juice bars, seasonal menus, and pop-ups that carry the full Sweet Dahlia energy into new spaces. One day, I’d love to open a cozy studio or tasting space—not just for events, but as a place for creatives to gather, collaborate, and build community through beauty, culture, and connection.
But for now, I’m focused on making every event we’re part of the best possible experience for our clients—with as little stress as possible. I want people to feel taken care of, to feel joy, and to know they’re in good hands.
A huge part of the future for me is making sure to shine a light on minority and female voices. We need community now more than ever. And while I don’t have it all figured out yet, I know that creating space for others—through supporting minority-owned businesses, sharing resources, or simply showing up—matters deeply to me.
I’ll be honest—I do not have it all mapped out, and that’s okay. I may not know exactly where I’m going or how I’ll get there, but I do know my heart is in the right place. And the authenticity that I’m building this company with will guide it in the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Sweetdahliabar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetdahliabar
