Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelsey Brandon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kelsey, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something many entrepreneurs and professionals face, and I have certainly encountered it during my journey as well! There were several steps that I had to sit back, reflect on and take.
The first step was acknowledging that I was experiencing imposter syndrome. It was essential for me to understand that this is a common feeling and not a reflection of my actual abilities or accomplishments.
Next, I spent time reflecting on my achievements and the path that led me to where I am today. I realized that I had built a successful business over the course of eight years, which wouldn’t have been possible without my skills, hard work, and dedication.
I learned to set realistic expectations for myself. I began to focus on progress and growth. I accepted that making mistakes and learning from them is an integral part of entrepreneurship.
Talking to peers in the industry helped tremendously as well, it’s such a common feeling, and knowing you are supported by so many wonderful people is amazing.
It’s important to me to celebrate both small and large successes. I started acknowledging my achievements, no matter how minor they seemed at the time and began embracing challenges.
Overcoming imposter syndrome was a gradual process that involved self-awareness, self-compassion, seeking support, and continuous personal and professional growth. It’s something I continue to work on, but by applying these strategies, I’ve been able to build confidence in my role as the owner of Tom’s Travelers and continue to achieve success.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Tom’s Travelers is a mobile bartending business that specializes in private hosted events and celebrations. We are a full-service company that is able to provide everything from professional bartenders to alcohol, mixers, and craft cocktails!
We launched in 2015 with just two staff members and we have grown to over 30 amazing bartenders. We have 2 tap trucks, a tap tricycle, beverage walls, and satellite bar rentals. We just recently overhauled our original tap truck, ‘Wanda’ and gave her a fresh new makeover this year that we are excited to share!
Our brand is named after Tom Pendergast because we have a passion for Kansas City and its history!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Build a Solid Reputation: Reputation is key in the service industry. Focus on delivering high-quality service consistently to build a positive reputation that will attract repeat clients and referrals.
Continuous Learning/Adaptability: Stay curious and open to learning. Attend industry conferences, read books, and stay updated with industry news to stay relevant and innovative. Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances and client needs. The events industry can be unpredictable, so flexibility is crucial.
Client Relationships: Invest time in building and nurturing client relationships. A satisfied client is more likely to become a repeat customer and recommend your services to others.
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Legal and Licensing: Ensure you are compliant with all legal requirements and licensing for your mobile bartending business. This includes alcohol permits and liability insurance.
Success in the mobile bartending industry is not only about your skills but also about your ability to provide exceptional service, build relationships, and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the event industry. Stay passionate and dedicated to your craft, and you’ll continue to thrive in your journey!
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One obstacle I am currently facing is my ability to let go and delegate. I want to be at every wedding or event we have, and I am bummed I can’t clone myself and be at all of them! I thoroughly enjoy getting to know our clients through the booking process and I want to celebrate with them all! Luckily, we have a group of senior bartenders that are able to manage events and provide excellent customer service for our guests!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tomstravelers.com
- Instagram: @tomstravelerskc
- Facebook: @tomstravelerskc
- Other: Tik Tok: Tomstravelers
Image Credits
Noel – The Muse Company Bri- Bri Lauren Photography
