Meet Molly Franklin

We were lucky to catch up with Molly Franklin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Molly , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I think there are so many of us that struggle to find our ‘purpose’ in this life. I happened to stumble upon my career path (but it also felt natural) and I’ve turned it into a lucrative business. I had been working in the restaurant industry for close to 15 years. I had attempted to do other ‘normal’ 9-5 style office jobs but was never happy with the strict schedules, 8 hour work days, demand for time/energy, the monotonous phone calls and never ending meetings that could’ve been an email. During covid time when restaurants were open with ever changing rules and regulations, the day to day of the job was turning into the monotonous drain of time/energy that I hated. I downloaded TikTok and saw other creators making drink videos at home and posting incorrect recipes, incorrect techniques or recipes that did not look good. I knew I didn’t know how to make social media videos, but I do love to make cocktails and share recipes, so I figured I would try it. Shortly after I started my TikTok page, my follower count began to grow and I received multiple business offerings. I was able to quit my job and pursue brand ambassador work through content creation and got a few inquiries to bartend weddings/events. With all of the main venues shut down for Covid, most people were doing backyard weddings and parties. 4 years later, my mobile bartending event business has taken off! I have about 8-10 other experienced bartenders that work for me and I’ve been able to succeed solely on this business. I teach cocktail classes and help train people online with bartending 101 videos and how to be successful as a bartender. I work very hard on my business but also have more free time to myself to travel, eat, drink, and spend time with friends and family. It was a leap of faith but if I can do it, anyone can! If you have passion and knowledge about a particular skill set, go full force with it and try!

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?

Thanks so much for the opportunity to share my story! I’m Molly, the founder of Molly Shakes It Up Bartending Services, a female-owned mobile bartending business proudly serving the San Diego and Southern California regions. With over 15 years in the restaurant industry, including experience at high-end establishments in San Diego and Las Vegas, I transitioned into mobile bartending to offer a more personalized and elevated experience for private events. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration, my goal is always the same: to make your party feel seamless, fun, and stress-free.

Before launching this business, I spent about 15 years working in the restaurant industry. That time taught me everything from the art of hospitality to the importance of staying cool under pressure. I fell in love with the fast-paced energy, the creativity behind the bar, and most of all, the way great service can turn an ordinary moment into something memorable. Starting my own business felt like the natural next step—I wanted to stay working with cocktails but not necessarily under someone else at a restaurant or bar.

What excites me most about this work is the blend of creativity and fun. Every event is unique, and we get to craft a cocktail menu that fits your style and theme. I love how something as simple as a well-made drink can elevate an atmosphere, bring people together, and add that extra touch of elegance or fun. I get to make beautiful cocktails for your guests while hanging out at your party, it’s a win-win!

At Molly Shakes It Up, we’re here to serve great drinks, create great vibes, and take one big thing off your plate—so you can focus on enjoying the moment.

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, I’d say the three things that really made the biggest impact on my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset when it comes to business. The restaurant world teaches you to be tough and have thick skin. You have to keep going when things get hectic, people are demanding, when plans change, when you’re exhausted, etc. I did this for over 15 years and it taught me how to keep going no matter what. You learn to bounce back, and you learn fast.

Social media has been a total game-changer. It’s not just about having good food or service anymore—you have to know how to tell your story and connect with people online. I had to learn how to create posts that would get people interested and wanting to book without making anything ‘fake’ or for ‘click-bait’. I genuinely believe social media is what makes or breaks a business these days, especially for those just starting. This needs to be your main focus starting out. Being a smart businesswoman is all about knowing when to take risks, understanding your numbers, and making moves that keep you ahead. It’s about working hard but also working smart. When creating social media posts, think about what people would be searching for when they’re looking to hire someone like you and make sure to utilize those hashtags or search words to find you. Consistent client flow is the only way to a successful business.

For anyone just starting out: don’t be afraid to get in there and do it all yourself. Learn as much as you can, ask questions, and be open to change. Learn what works and what doesn’t. Find out what you can do well yourself and what you don’t do as well and see where you can learn or hire someone to help. You’ll be more successful overall if you learn how to do things yourself, whether you’re initially ‘good’ at it or not. I wasn’t so great at many things when I started and I’ve come a long way! Trust your instincts and always stay growing.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I definitely get overwhelmed—especially during the busy seasons like weddings, graduations, and the holidays in December. It can feel like everything’s happening all at once, and it is! I had multiple Saturdays with 6-8 events booked in one day! One thing that really helps me is making hand written lists. I write everything down so I can see it all laid out and check things off as I go—it keeps me grounded and helps me feel accomplished. I also try to keep all communication in writing. Texts, emails, DMs—anything but phone calls! It helps me stay organized and avoid miscommunication.

Another thing that’s been a game-changer is having “work days” with friends. We’ll get together with our laptops, make some snacks, and just work side by side. It makes the to-do list feel less heavy and brings a little fun into the chaos. I also love to travel during the week when things are a little quieter. I’ll bring my laptop along and work from wherever I am. It keeps me inspired and helps break up the routine, even during hectic seasons.

My advice? Find your flow, build little systems that work for you, and don’t be afraid to blend work with the things you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, but it needs to stay profitable in the end.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Briana Lee @brianaleephoto

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