I Believed In My Dream More Than i believed in Myself.
Dannon Hooks, Tap the Coast - Owner & Founder
There is something wonderful that comes from a dream that you believe in more than yourself. Tap the Coast is an idea that I imagined could happen, but I couldn’t have foreseen the opportunity that it would create.
Less than six months after launching this endeavor, I went from working an eight to five job to diving feet-first into the life of an entrepreneur. Who does that? I didn’t quite have faith in myself, but I believed in my dream. What I want you to know is this business of mine is so much more than a bar with kegs hooked up and covered in cute tile. It’s a labor of the heart from my family and me, and an act of service we want to share with the community of Pensacola.
Our business started during the planning of my own wedding. Pouring over Pinterest pages as most us brides do I found these unique mobile bars. Loving the idea of renting my own I began the search, however, I soon found that the Pensacola area was lacking in the mobile bar service. We can create the greatest drink, the Bushwacker, in Pensacola but we didn’t have mobile bars. And so I saw a need that I could fill.
Luckily, my husband Chris is one of those renaissance men that can make any dream a reality. He had created his own business, Spotless Logistics, here in Pensacola and so I knew I had the perfect partner to create this with. Acting as the Chip to my Joanna Gaines we set out to transform trailers into bars. Through trials and errors, and a few hiccups along the way, in the end of October of 2019, we had our first event, and Tap the Coast was born.
While the idea of starting my own business was mind-blowing and a bit nerve-wracking at first, I’ve gained so much from the experience. Not sure why I doubted myself so much in the beginning, but if you’re thinking about starting a business - DO IT. Go for it! Even if at first you’re like me and believe in the dream more than yourself, take the leap! I’m telling you to just dive in.
Pensacola is a community that I adore. The way that local businesses and business owners link arms to lift each other up is so unique and special. Partnerships and collaboration can really make for the best of experiences. Let me give you an example. Early on, I was able to team up with the folks at Garden & Grain and Perfect Plain to bring their brews and cocktails to our clients' weddings and events. It's been a great partnership and I just love seeing their growth - adding The Well and just recently The Perennial Bar to their family. (#GOALS). Aragon Wine Market is another example. I don’t know a whole lot about wine, but I can connect my people with their people - and I know they’re going to be happy with their service and selection. Those ladies are great - you should stop in and see them. One more shout out goes to Ryan and Jen at Big Jerk Soda. Tap the Coast is a beverage company - meaning we do more than just alcohol. So when I can, I send folks their way for delicious craft soda. Seriously, if you haven’t tried the Pineapple Upside Down Cake flavor, you’re not really living.
What I really love is that our small business supports other small businesses - especially in a time when so many have been shuttered by COVID. I have been there for the unveiling of Rusted Arrow’s new space and helped Samantha Breedlove show her fantastic shop off to the world with our Tap Wall. These relationships are not only exciting, but the opportunity to engage with these amazing businesses is life-giving.
At first, I believed this was a business where we’d bring the bar, set up, leave, then show up at the end to hitch up and drive off - easy peasy. Wouldn’t that be a dream. Our first event was a quick reality check that there’s a lot of work involved. Once we got set up guests slowly sauntered over to see what this unfamiliar contraption was. Their reactions made the months of hard work and sacrifice all worth it, and I realized this was more than just a bar on wheels. Its an experience that we can give to each bride and groom. These mobile bars have the power to tell the story of the couple. The beer that they may have drank on their first date or during a memorable football game. We can create French 75’s that brings a fun flair to an iconic cocktail. A true signature drink menu that creates a connection and reflects their unique personalities.
Finally, there is a bigger reason that Tap the Coast has become integral in my life and it's my daughter Shaylee. As moms, we work so hard to show them anything in the world is possible, and that is what I want her to see. I want her to know that anything is achievable with work, passion, and belief in yourself. She has been there to wipe the windows on the day of our first event and stain the wood as we prepared for our launch. She gets to work alongside her dad, and learn these business skills that can hopefully help her open her own doors one day. Shaylee may be my biggest reason why Tap the Coast has been such a success because she helps me believe in myself.
We are blessed to be growing in such a crazy time, especially being in the events industry. We’re going beyond weddings now and are involved in corporate events and fundraisers for organizations that are dear to my heart. And there's so much more to come. We are beginning to find new challenges in all of the best ways.
Tap the Coast is more than a bar on wheels. It’s a connection. It connects my family, local businesses, and our clients’ major milestones. We’re here for you - creating memorable experiences for life’s unforgettable moments.
Cheers,
Dannon