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

Hi Crystal, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process in starting my own business was shaped by a combination of passion, experience, and intuition. While I had a secure job as a mental health professional, I also had over 20 years of experience as a professional mixologist, which I pursued as a side gig to earn extra income and as a stress reliever. Over time, I advanced in the bartending industry, managing several bars and training staff throughout the Metro Detroit area, and I realized how much I enjoyed it and how naturally it came to me.

The more I studied psychology, the better I became as a mixologist. Both fields require understanding people, listening, and creating a comfortable environment. This connection made it clear that mixology was more than just a hobby—it was something I was genuinely skilled at and passionate about. Starting my own business felt like a natural step because I was confident in my abilities and knew I could excel in this field.

The biggest challenge was deciding to leave my professional career after ten years to go all in on my business. There was a constant, nagging feeling that I needed to give this venture a chance. I decided to trust that feeling, and it paid off. Since then, it has been non-stop growth and success over the past five years. My thought process was a mix of recognizing my strengths, understanding my passion as a professional mixologist, and having the courage to take the risk and follow my instincts.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Your career story is truly inspiring! You’ve built Boozique LLC from the ground up with a deep passion for mixology and a unique vision in the beverage industry. Starting as a mobile bartending company providing open bar services for corporate and private events, Boozique has grown into a dynamic business that offers custom cocktail menu creation, bar staff training, operational consulting, branded merchandise, e-books, and mixology classes. The future looks even brighter with plans to open a brick-and-mortar location. Your evolution into a highly sought-after bar and restaurant consultant further demonstrates your ability to transform establishments through innovative cocktail programs, staff development, and operational efficiency strategies.

What sets Boozique apart is the commitment to storytelling through cocktails, creating experiences that go beyond just taste to engage the senses and emotions. This approach builds a deep, memorable connection with customers. Your journey hasn’t been without its challenges, from breaking into a competitive industry to establishing a recognizable and respected brand from scratch. The path was filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty, but your dedication to your vision, belief in creativity, and unwavering determination have been key to overcoming these obstacles. Each challenge was an opportunity to learn, innovate, and find new ways to stand out in a crowded market by deeply understanding your customers and offering them not just a product but an experience that truly resonates.

A significant milestone for you was achieving copyright and trademark status for Boozique with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, symbolizing the legitimacy and value of what you’ve built. You’re also proud of the diverse branches Boozique has developed, from signature cocktail e-books to branded merchandise and collaborations with major liquor companies. The brand is expanding beyond its initial vision, continually breaking into new markets and opportunities.

Boozique is more than a bartending service or cocktail brand; it represents creativity, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. You don’t just compete in the market—you carve your own path, merging “Booze” with “Boutique” to create something entirely new, a concept that isn’t just seen but felt. Your journey is a testament to taking bold leaps of faith, remaining steadfast through challenges, and nurturing an idea into a multifaceted brand. Your message to others is clear: stay true to your vision, embrace the journey, and always believe in what you can create. As Boozique continues to revolutionize the world of mixology and hospitality, it invites everyone to join in on the journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Detroit, I’d plan a week-long trip packed with the city’s best spots for eating, drinking, exploring, and hanging out to ensure they have the best time ever. On Day 1, we’d start by admiring downtown Detroit’s views with breakfast at Dime Store, known for its inventive brunch dishes. Afterward, we’d stroll through Campus Martius Park to soak in the city’s vibrant energy and enjoy cocktails at the uniquely designed beach bar or The Brakeman, a fun beer hall. For lunch, we’d head to Lafayette Coney Island for the classic Detroit experience with its infamous Coney dogs. Our afternoon would be spent shopping along Woodward Avenue, exploring its various boutiques and stores, and ending the day with a relaxing massage at Woodhouse Spa.

On Day 2, we’d enjoy brunch at MaryBelles Cache in Eastern Market, a favorite of mine where I curated the entire cocktail menu, and then spend the day exploring the market’s various sheds filled with fresh produce, local vendors, and colorful murals. Day 3 would be all about outdoor fun, starting with a visit to Hart Plaza and a bike ride along the scenic Detroit Riverwalk, taking in the views of Canada across the river and exploring the art-filled Dequindre Cut Greenway.

Day 4 would be spent at Belle Isle Park, where we’d have a picnic and enjoy the park’s natural beauty, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation, ending with a picture at the iconic James Scott Fountain. On Day 5, we’d dive into history at Greenfield Village, exploring its fascinating attractions and learning about Henry Ford and the vintage vehicles on display. For lunch, we’d dine at Ford’s Garage, a unique restaurant designed to resemble a 1920s service station, offering gourmet burgers and craft beer, which perfectly complements the theme of the day.

Day 6 would be dedicated to Detroit’s rich musical history with a visit to the Motown Museum, where we’d learn about the greats of Motown and the musical legends who recorded there, wrapping up the day with drinks at The Sugar House, one of Detroit’s best cocktail bars. On our final day, we’d have a relaxing afternoon exploring Midtown, catching a Detroit Lions game at Ford Field or a concert at Little Caesars Arena, and ending the night with laser bowling and delicious pizza at the Garden Bowl on Woodward Avenue. This itinerary would offer a perfect blend of Detroit’s history, culture, food, and fun for an unforgettable week with my best friend

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Fox 2 News Detroit

Website: https://www.booziquemobilebar.com

Instagram: @Booziquemobilebar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Boozique

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