LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?

I decided to become an entrepreneur because of the freedom. The flexibility in my schedule and freedom that comes with being your own boss led me to start my own business. Although, I was a stay-at- home mom, I wanted to create an income while still being able to care for my son. I think it was one of the most challenging tasks I ever took on. Having a newborn and learning to be an entrepreneur, simultaneously, was extremely difficult. I thought I would have all the time in the world to put into my business; however, my son took most of my time. I had to learn how to plan ahead, make to-do list, stay up late, and really put in the extra time for my business.

LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?

I have always worked in the hospitality industry; and for the past 8 years, I’ve worked specifically as a bartender. Being a Mobile Bartending Service, I love knowing that Pour It Up is responsible for making someone’s event a success. People never forget their wedding day or huge 50th birthday and knowing that my company is a part of someone’s most memorable milestone, makes it all worth it.

LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?

The EDTP program helped me tremendously! I always say, “I’m a creative who went into business.” Attending EDTP taught me the business side of being an entrepreneur. The importance of having your numbers, knowing your books, and keeping your business in compliance… All things you need to know in order to successfully run and maintain your business. In order for my business to continue to grow, this is something that I had to learn. I’m constantly using accounting, marketing, and networking skills I learned from the program. I also tell every business owner I know to attend.

LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?

My biggest challenges have been time management and my own ideas! Being a creative type, sometimes, gets in the way. I have learned to scale back and realize which ideas make the most sense and, ultimately, the most dollars. I also wear so many hats… I’m a mother, a daughter, a friend, and a fiancé so I have to make sure I give everyone their time (especially my household). Just like it takes a village to raise a baby, it takes a village to flourish a small business. I’m glad I learned this early on. I learned to outsource certain tasks so I could work smarter and not harder.

LAEDA:  Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?

Pour It Up is currently going into its third year of business. Since 2017, the company has successfully serviced over 100 events to date. From weddings, birthday parties, pool parties, backyard BBQ’s to repasses, fashion shows and anything in between. My company has a staff of 5 bartenders and we already have 10 bookings lined up for the New Year.

LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future- (or existing) entrepreneurs?

My biggest advice to anyone, is to START. Start where you are with exactly what you have. Write down what your goals are and come up with a plan to execute. When I started Pour It Up, I didn’t even own my own bar for the first year. I rented it and included it in my pricing! If I had waited until I owned all of the supplies to run my business, I would probably still be waiting. 

Congratulations to Jameca Jolly for completing EDTP and recommitting to her journey on the path of entrepreneurship. To get in touch with her you can visit her website Pour It Up Mobile, via Facebook Pour It Up, via email at Contact@PourItUpMobile.com and/ or give her a call at 609-310-1741.

The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and one year of technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.