Meet Monica Belmana

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monica Belmana. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Monica , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I honestly don’t know that this is something we need to overcome. I think it’s something that comes and goes and we when feel it, we face it. Ru Paul has a fantastic quote about identity where he says “we’re born naked, and the rest is drag”. What I take from that is that who we are is what we perform. We all perform the various facets of our social identities everyday. At any given time I can be “the room parent”, “the nervous mom”, “the business woman”, “the social psychologist”, “the bartender”. All of these things are roles that I perform in my life. I figure, if I’m going to perform, I should perform well, right? Wouldn’t want to get booed off stage. So, any time I feel like an imposter – under qualified, insecure, or like I have no idea what I’m doing – I just try to remember that I’m in charge of how I show up for this performance.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My husband, Martin, and I have always dreamt of owning and running our own business together. In fact, we met working as servers at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and even went on to continue working and bartending together at another restaurant before I finished college and took a full-time job in market research. When covid happened, like many people, we had a lot more time at home together. That was when we started thinking really seriously about what kind of business we could actually build. Martin had always had this great idea about creating a mobile coffee bar, and it actually seemed like something that might work in neighborhoods as people were suddenly working from home and were unable to go to their usual cafe. So we started looking into mobile carts. That eventually got us down a path to the Italian Piaggio Apé. As soon as we saw it, we knew we had to have one. Given the classy and unique feel of the apé, we decided we would forego the coffee idea (for now), and kick off our business in a more formal industry – weddings and events. So we met with some folks in the Piaggio restoration world, and started our venture.
Fast forward a few years and we had it – The Bel Bar. A fully transformed 6-tap vintage Italian mobile bar. Fully equipped with elegance, history, and refreshment. Wherever it goes, it’s the center of attention. It’s rarity and unique flare always manages to draw a crowd. And, given the beverages we serve are all fully batched and/or kegged, we’re able to serve our guests their refreshments in a matter of seconds, giving us both an emotional and functional leg up against competing mobile bartending businesses. In addition, we’re partnered with local breweries, liquor vendors, and event spaces who all have a hand in helping us provide a great experience for our clients.
Given my background in consumer research, I know how important it is to give customers a great experience. But even more than that, we want to leave them with a great memory. We couldn’t think of anything we’d rather be doing than running this business together. We’re both so motivated and excited to meet so many new people and be part of their special memories. So, if you have an event – reach out! We really cannot wait to meet you.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First, be persistent. You need to understand that, while this might be the most exciting thing happening for you, others might not care much. In order to get what you want, you need to take ownership in making it happen. And sometimes that means following up a lot, taking on tedious tasks, and putting in more hours than you anticipated. There’s always something to do, so don’t get complacent.
Second, have a growth mindset. You don’t know everything, so always be learning. Fixating on what you think is the only way to do things, or what you’re used to, won’t get you very far. As you drive toward your goals, stay in your lane, but also, be open to alternate routes.
Lastly, have patience. Success doesn’t happen over night. there will always be roadblocks, but don’t give up! Keep a positive attitude and keep your eye on the prize.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! We are always looking for event coordinators, planners, and spaces to partner with. I would even love to form relationships with other vendors so that we can team up to provide a really great holistic experience for clients. Ever since starting our Instagram page for The Bel Bar, I’ve found so many talented and successful business people, from florists to balloon decorators to entertainers. We just really want to immerse ourselves in this world of bespoke events.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bookwithbel.com
• Instagram: @thebelbar

Image Credits

Amber Fouse (Amai’zing Visions), Jon Dixon
Steve Sherman and Associates Photography