We were lucky to catch up with Cara Balcom recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cara, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from my passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Throw It Back isn’t just about serving drinks—it’s about bringing people together, making celebrations special, and giving top-tier service every time. I take pride in showing up, working hard, and making sure every event is one to remember. Whether it’s perfecting a signature cocktail or making sure guests have a great time, I put my all into it because that’s what this business is built on—quality, energy, and great customer service.
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?
At Throw It Back, we bring the party to you with a fully mobile bar experience, serving up handcrafted cocktails and top-tier service across Michigan. We’re all about creating unforgettable moments—whether it’s a wedding, private party, or corporate event, we make sure every drink is poured with precision and personality.
What makes Throw It Back special is the energy and attention to detail we bring to every event. It’s not just about serving drinks—it’s about elevating the experience, setting the vibe, and making sure guests leave with great memories. Our signature drink, the Blueberry Basil Margarita, is always a crowd favorite, but we love customizing menus to fit any occasion.
Right now, we’re expanding our reach and looking forward to an exciting year ahead. If you’re planning an event, now’s the perfect time to book—we’re always ready to shake things up and bring the bar to you!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three things have made the biggest impact on my journey with Throw It Back:
1. Work Ethic & Hustle – Starting and running a business isn’t easy, but I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, good things will come. There have been long nights, early mornings, and plenty of moments where I had to push through exhaustion, but seeing an event come together and knowing I played a part in making it special makes it all worth it. My advice? Show up, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to grind for what you want.
2. Adaptability & Problem-Solving – No matter how much you plan, things don’t always go as expected. I’ve had events where the weather turned, ingredients ran low, or last-minute changes were thrown my way. The key is staying calm and figuring it out. I’ve learned that a great attitude and quick thinking can turn any situation around. If you’re just starting out, don’t stress over the setbacks—learn from them and keep moving forward.
3. Building Real Connections – This business is so much more than just making drinks. It’s about the people—the clients who trust me with their big moments and the guests who share their stories at the bar. Some of my best memories come from the conversations and laughter I’ve had while serving. My biggest advice? Be present, be kind, and make every interaction meaningful. The relationships you build will take you further than anything else.
For anyone just starting out—just go for it. You’ll learn as you go, and the challenges will only make you better. Stay passionate, work hard, and never forget why you started!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! Throw It Back is always looking to collaborate with like-minded businesses and individuals who share our passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a wedding planner, event coordinator, venue owner, caterer, or another small business in the event industry, we’d love to connect and explore ways we can work together.
We’re also open to partnering with local distilleries, breweries, and brands looking to showcase their products through unique cocktail experiences. If you’re passionate about great drinks, great service, and bringing people together, let’s make something happen!
If you’re interested in collaborating, reach out to us at Throwitbackmi@gmail.com or send us a message on Instagram throw_it_back_mi
Let’s shake things up and Throw it Back together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.throwitbackmi@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throw_it_back_mi?igsh=ejVnMXNkemk2MzE5&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1519URVQ2d/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Monika Anderson Photography Prizm Image
HPhanphoto
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