An Inspired Chat with Julia Tunstall of Carlsbad California

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Julia Tunstall. Check out our conversation below.

Julia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I tend to wake up very early (too early!) in the morning, so I usually get a couple of hours of work in before anyone else wakes up. That quiet stretch is when I focus on my “most important things” — the tasks that require deep thought and uninterrupted time. I love the stillness of the morning and find I do my best, most creative work then.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Julia Tunstall, CEO and co-founder of A Bar Above, a Carlsbad-based barware and education brand that helps people make great drinks and feel confident behind the bar, whether they’re a home enthusiast or a professional bartender.

My husband Chris and I started A Bar Above out of a shared love for the craft of cocktails and a frustration with how hard it was to find reliable information and well-made tools. What began as a small bartending education blog and YouTube channel has grown into a premium barware brand and learning platform trusted by tens of thousands of bartenders and cocktail lovers around the world.

What makes us unique is our heart. We’re educators first. Every tool we design comes from firsthand experience behind the bar, made to last, comfortable to use, and backed by free resources that help people learn and experiment. We care deeply about making the world of craft cocktails more approachable, sustainable, and inclusive, because everyone deserves to make a great drink and enjoy the process.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Definitely my parents. They’ve owned a small business together since before I was born, so every dinner table conversation was about what was happening at work. I grew up marinated in small business ownership. I saw the late nights, the problem-solving, and the constant juggling it takes to keep things running. It taught me early on that owning a business isn’t glamorous; it’s grit, persistence, and showing up every single day (whether you are still excited about it or not.)

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
About six months after taking A Bar Above full time, we hit a really discouraging stretch. Our savings were running low, sales were nowhere near where they needed to be, and our big launch, a seasonal cocktail menu design service, was a total flop. It was rough. We were questioning whether we could really make it work.

Then out of the blue, Chris got a call from a respected acquaintance in the industry who offered him a consulting gig. That one opportunity bought us another two years of runway and gave Chris even more hands-on experience in bars and restaurants. That experience ended up making A Bar Above stronger and more grounded than ever.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think our industry, especially in e-commerce, is finally learning how hard it really is to be in a product business. For a while, it was over-glamorized because big top-line numbers were easy to show off. But the truth is, the top line doesn’t pay the bills.

Over the past few years and especially 2025, I think we’ve all been humbled. We’re learning to look deeper and really understand contribution margin, cash flow, and bottom-line profit. It’s pushed many of us to make tougher, smarter decisions that lead to healthier, more sustainable businesses.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I think I was born to run a business. Or maybe not born to, but raised to! (See my earlier comment about my parents.) I don’t know that the hospitality or bar industry is in my blood, but what I do best is operations, problem-solving, and spinning plates. And running A Bar Above is definitely all of those things.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Milla Rebello, Melanie Tornroth, Chris Tunstall, Rob Harrah

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