We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ainsley Toal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ainsley , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
For much of my young adult life, I was clear about what I didn’t want to do, but I struggled to find a career that felt right for me. The one constant was my love for people and my passion for creating experiences they would remember. That’s why I was drawn to working as a server and bartender from the age of 15—I loved the energy of the job and the connection it allowed me to have with others.
Motherhood has given me a deep sense of purpose, but I also realized that I needed something outside of that role to express my creativity and maintain my own identity. For me, it was important to find a balance—a way to do something fulfilling and fun that could also support my family. That’s how the renovation of my horse trailer bar came about. It allowed me to channel my creativity into something tangible and rewarding, blending my passion for hospitality with a unique business opportunity.
I’ve found my purpose through a combination of roles: being a mother, a creator, and someone who loves to bring people together. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, and I’m grateful for the way each part of my life complements the other.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Ainsley, the founder of The Steel Magnolia Bar. What started as a quick “Why not? I can do that!” idea led to converting my husband’s grandmother’s old farm trailer into a beautiful mobile bar. With the help of my family (kids included!) and five months of hard work, we transformed the trailer into something special.
I’ve organized everything from intimate gatherings to award-winning festivals, and I thrive on the details and joy of creating memorable experiences.
This past year has been a whirlwind. I originally set a goal of six events, but by the end of the year, I’ll have completed 47. I’m humbled to say that I’m fully booked for 2024 and already booking into 2025. The growth has been overwhelming in the best way, and I’m so grateful.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are:
1. Self-Confidence – Believing in yourself and your abilities, even when faced with challenges or doubts, is key. You’re capable of far more than you may initially think. Trusting myself allowed me to take that first step and tackle what felt like impossible tasks.
2. Flexibility – Understanding that plans will change and being open to adapting is crucial. Things rarely go as anticipated, and your path may look very different from others. Embrace the unexpected and be willing to pivot when needed.
3. Support – Having a strong support system has been invaluable. My family and close friends played a huge role in my success—whether it was grabbing a paintbrush, helping care for my kids during events, or offering prayers and encouragement.
My advice to those early in their journey is to focus on cultivating these qualities. Build your confidence by taking small, actionable steps, be open to change and new opportunities, and surround yourself with people who believe in you and are willing to help along the way. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Growing up in a single-parent home, my mother worked full-time while raising my siblings and me. She didn’t just tell us what was important—she lived it every day. She taught me that education is something no one can ever take away from you, and that hard work, integrity, and treating others with kindness and respect are core values to live by.
What impacted me most was her example of sacrifice. She always made sure our needs—and even most of our wants—were met, even if it meant she had to go without. She put us first, and through that, she showed me what it means to truly care for others. Her unwavering commitment to us shaped me into the person and mother I am today. I carry her lessons with me, and I strive to pass on the same values to my own children.
I owe so much to her strength, and I’m deeply proud to be her daughter. Her influence has given me the confidence to pursue my own dreams, always keeping family and kindness at the forefront.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesteelmagnoliabar.com
- Instagram: thesteelmagnoliabar
- Facebook: thesteelmagnoliabar
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