Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carla Pimentel Dozal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Carla with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I was raised by my grandfather, a man who lived by strong ethics and taught me the value of integrity every single day. He didn’t just talk about these values; he embodied them in everything he did. One lesson in particular stands out to me, and it’s one I’ll never forget.
One of my favorite memories with him was playing Lotería, the Mexican version of bingo. We would sit together, laughing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company. It was a time I looked forward to, a time when I felt completely connected to him.
One day, during a game, I won. I was ecstatic—so much so that I couldn’t help but laugh and share my secret with him. “I actually cheated,” I confessed, grinning from ear to ear.
His reaction was immediate. He stood up, his face hardening with disappointment. “I don’t play with cheaters,” he said firmly. “I have never taught you to cheat. I will never play with you again, no matter how much you ask.”
I remember feeling confused. Why was he so upset? I thought he was punishing me, not understanding the deeper lesson he was trying to teach. To me, it felt like a moment of anger, a harsh reaction. But looking back, I realize it was one of the most important lessons of my life.
From that day forward, we never played Lotería together again. I didn’t fully understand why at the time, but my grandfather’s actions stayed with me. His refusal to tolerate dishonesty in any form made an impact far deeper than any words could have.
He’s no longer here with me, but that lesson has stayed with me all my life. I live by the values he instilled in me—honesty, integrity, and the understanding that doing things the right way is always more important than getting things your way.
Every day, I carry a piece of my grandfather’s wisdom with me. And though I miss him dearly, I know he’s still teaching me, even now, through the choices I make.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My passion for bartending began with a simple desire to share the rich, vibrant flavors of my culture with a broader audience. I wanted to introduce the non-Latino community to the refreshing and delicious world of aguas frescas—those beloved, fruit-infused drinks that have been a staple in Mexican households for generations. But I didn’t stop there. I knew we could elevate the experience by adding a special twist—infusing those aguas frescas with a little extra love and, of course, a touch of alcohol. The result is a fusion of tradition and creativity, where every drink tells a story, brings people together, and sparks joy at every event. It’s about more than just a cocktail; it’s about sharing a piece of my heritage, one sip at a time.
At sapphire Mobile Bar , we’re not just about serving drinks—we’re about crafting unforgettable experiences.
As a mobile bartending service, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond the typical bar setup by making everything from scratch, including our signature Mexican aguas frescas, house-made syrups, and rims.
Our commitment to excellence sets us apart, and it’s this dedication to quality that drives everything we do. We believe in the power of connection, which is why word-of-mouth and personal relationships with our clients mean the world to us. With integrity and strong values at the heart of our business, we work tirelessly to ensure that every event, big or small, is nothing short of extraordinary. our Clients satisfaction is our passion, and we’re here to make there celebration truly special.
As we look to the future, our vision is to create a unique venue where clients can host private events and celebrate life’s special moments with our signature touch. We want to offer more than just a space—we aim to provide an immersive experience, combining our handcrafted cocktails, vibrant aguas frescas, and mobile bartending services in an inviting and personalized setting. This new venue will be a reflection of the passion and love we put into everything we do, giving our clients a place to gather, connect, and make memories while enjoying our elevated approach to bartending. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we’ll be there to bring our distinct flavor and exceptional service to every occasion.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on your journey, it’s clear that there were certain qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that played a huge role in your success—especially considering the challenges of connecting with a non-Latino community, navigating language barriers, and overcoming self-doubt. Here are the three most impactful aspects of your journey, along with some advice for others facing similar challenges:
1. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Authenticity
In the beginning, it’s natural to feel fear or insecurity—whether it’s about your accent, your heritage, or how you might be perceived by a community that isn’t familiar with your culture. For many, including yourself, the fear of not being accepted or the fear of being seen as “ignorant” can be paralyzing. However, embracing your authentic self—accent and all—was a turning point. Instead of trying to fit into a mold, you leaned into who you are and used your background as a strength, not a weakness.
Advice: If you’re struggling with self-doubt, remember that your uniqueness is your greatest asset. Rather than hiding your accent or feeling the need to conform, embrace it. People will appreciate your authenticity and the richness of your cultural perspective. Never be afraid to educate others about who you are and where you come from—it builds connection and shows strength in being yourself.
2. Building Bridges with the Non-Latino Community
A huge part of your journey has been connecting with people outside of the Latino community. This required empathy, patience, and a willingness to educate. It wasn’t just about serving drinks—it was about showing your non-Latino clients the depth and richness of Mexican culture, helping them to understand the flavors, traditions, and stories behind the drinks you serve. You had to break through the barriers of unfamiliarity and make people feel comfortable, even if they didn’t know much about your background.
Advice: To connect with communities outside your own, focus on shared experiences and universal values. People appreciate authenticity, but they also appreciate being invited into something new. Don’t be afraid to share the beauty of your culture, but also remain open to learning from others. Building connections is a two-way street, so engage in conversations, ask questions, and let your clients feel that they are part of your journey, too.
3. Mastering the Craft and Attention to Detail
You’ve worked hard to distinguish yourself by offering more than just the typical bartending experience. By crafting your own syrups, aguas frescas, and custom drinks from scratch, you elevated your offerings and showed clients that you cared about quality. Mastering your craft is what sets you apart, and this dedication to excellence speaks for itself. Your focus on quality gave you the confidence to stand out, even in a competitive market.
Advice: Never stop learning and perfecting your craft. Don’t let fear or insecurity hold you back from exploring new techniques, recipes, or ways of doing business. Be persistent in honing your skills and paying attention to the details that can elevate your service. The more you invest in your craft, the more confident you will become, and the more others will notice and appreciate the care you put into your work.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The person who has had the greatest impact on my journey, both in overcoming challenges and in developing the essential skills and values I needed to be successful, is my grandfather. From a very young age, he taught me the importance of integrity and honesty. His lessons went beyond just words—they were reflected in the way he lived his life. He showed me that true success comes not from shortcuts or chasing quick wins, but from treating others with kindness, respect, and fairness.
He taught me to live simply, to be grateful for what I had, and to approach every situation with humility. The values of respect, honesty, and hard work that he instilled in me continue to guide my decisions and interactions, both in business and in life. His unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, no matter the circumstances, has shaped how I run my business today. Even though he’s no longer with me, his lessons live on in every choice I make—whether it’s in the way I serve my clients or how I approach challenges. His wisdom is a constant reminder to stay grounded, treat people with dignity, and always live with integrity.
My grandfather also sparked the entrepreneur in me from a young age. Together, we created small businesses out of simple, joyful things. We would sell mangoes with chili—after School treats so popular in mexico, and since we lived near an elementary school, we saw an opportunity to make colorful eggshells filled with flour and confetti for the kids to play with. He taught me how to turn creativity and resourcefulness into opportunities, showing me that business could be fun, engaging, and community-centered. Those experiences weren’t just playful moments; they were my first lessons in entrepreneurship, and they continue to inspire me to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sapphiremobilebars.com/
- Instagram: sapphire.mobile. bar
- Linkedin: https://www.sapphiremobilebars.com/
- Yelp: sapphire Mobile Bar
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
