Meet Tyra Ivory | Owner The Fizzy Fix Mobile Bar & Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyra Ivory and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyra, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I am a total optimist and an extreme extrovert, so asking others for help or putting myself out there comes easy for me. Consequently, it has boosted my brand awareness and allowed me to build my reputation among other entrepreneurs through networking and collaborations. Whenever I am in a space where I need to be challenged, lost, or confused and could use guidance or advice, I ASK without hesitation. Surprisingly, I have never been told “no.” People have been incredibly generous and willing to offer me their knowledge, resources, and contacts.

Before I officially launched my business, I shared my business plan with a few business owners. I did not have a name, a logo, or social media account at the time. I contracted my first three events because I was not afraid to share my mobile bartending plan with them. They could sense my authenticity and passion. I made them believe in me. I was so nervous but excited to serve almost 200 people for my first event, but I gained ease from knowing that every mistake I was bound to make would mold me for my future bookings. Some people are so skeptical of judgment, rejection, or having their ideas stolen. Therefore, they prefer to not share their ideas with anyone or just sit on their dreams and allow them to go to waste. That is such a terrible way to think when jumpstarting a business. What’s a good idea without listening ears and execution? Negative thinking should be replaced with faith, positivity, and a genuine support group.

Furthermore, I have always been super supportive of others, even before my business venture. The power of reposting someone’s post or sharing their contact information can transform a small business tremendously. Due to planting those seeds early, I received so much love when I announced my business venture. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of gratitude. It confirmed that we must always aim to put out goodness, love, and support into the universe because we will always receive it back.

Lastly, we all know a person who loves to criticize EVERYTHING. No, this person is not viewed as an optimist, although others may think otherwise. I utilize this individual to help me plan, prepare and execute. We all know these people. USE THEM! Criticism is not always a bad thing; it is a growth factor. It encourages growth if you can view it with an open mind and a positive heart.

What should our readers know about your business?
My idea for The Fizzy Fix Mobile Bar & Company ignited during a dark moment in my life. I was rejected from dental school. Ever been rejected before? Well… you can understand the feelings I was experiencing. For a year, I had been preparing financially, mentally, and academically for the moment I would receive an acceptance email and I could call myself a dental student. I failed the Dental Admission Test (DAT), twice. I wanted to crawl under a rock and stay there. After battling the reality of my life at the time with the support of my family and friends, I pondered for months on what was next. Cocktails. The idea of being my own boss, making money, having fun, and making others happy was a win-win for me. I discovered a love for cocktails while earning my B.S in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at my Alma Mater, Xavier University of Louisiana. Located in the culture-rich city of New Orleans where bar life was the life for anyone who resided there. In addition to traveling to various cities and countries to see the world through new eyes, the pursuit of exceptional cocktails ultimately became my fix. My overall goal is to remove the stigma that young professionals cannot have a social life. We are indeed a culture that values experiences more than ever. Cocktails create the vital combination of experience and connection that young professionals crave. I’m so grateful for rejection, because I have found a passion for cocktails that I didn’t know truly existed until now.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My friends and I are all for intimate, not crowded vibes. We would definitley visit Pistelero’s for Taco Tuesday $1 tacos and $4 margs is definitely a GO!
We would visit Neyow’s, because this black-owned restaurant takes us back to New Orleans during our college days. The best creole food and good cocktails, in addition to the great music.
On a chill day/night we would create the vibes at home with a home cooked meal, hookah, music and games.
For the best oysters, we would catch Julep’s Bar for their $1 oyster happy hour. They are the BEST!
We would catch up with our college friends from Xavier for Sunday Brunch at Max Wine Dive or Chapman & Kirby.
We are all super competitive so for a challenge we would either visit a gun range or do paintball. (I hate to lose)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother deserves this recognition for her efforts, support, love and encouragement. I am so grateful for her business-oriented mindset. While growing up, she exposed me to so many different people, skills, and places. My small hometown, Macon, MS, could have never provided me with those opportunities. During my upbringing, I remember attending multiple summer camps and programs. This was to help me discover what my niche was. She never forced anything on me, but instead she exposed me and allowed me to choose. I learned that science was my thing. In addition to being a boss of The Fizzy Fix Mobile Bar & Company, I am an aspiring dentist.

Instagram: thefizzy_fix

Image Credits
Ronald “Rdot” Smith Photographer