Meet the Owner: How Barrel & Lace Got Started

Hey y’all!

I’m Haley—owner of Barrel & Lace—and I’m so excited to welcome you to our blog. If we haven’t met yet, I’m someone who finds joy in family gatherings, good drinks, great people, and unforgettable moments. I’ve spent the last 16+ years bartending everything from local events to beautiful weddings, learning not just how to make a perfect cocktail, but how to help create an experience that guests remember.

The idea for Barrel & Lace didn’t come overnight. Over the last couple of years, my husband, John, and I have been building different ventures, dreaming about creating something lasting - not just for ourselves, but for our kids and the generations to come. He’s been a huge part of this journey, always encouraging me to take what started as solo bartending jobs and turn it into something bigger. That encouragement - and my own love for being part of life’s most special moments - is what turned a one-woman gig into a full-fledged business with a name, a vision, a team, and a whole lot of heart behind it.

At Barrel & Lace, we want every client to feel like their vision has come to life. Whether it's an intimate backyard gathering or a big, beautiful wedding, our goal is to make sure our clients feel confident, relaxed, and able to fully enjoy their guests. We’re there not just to serve drinks but to take the stress off their shoulders and bring the fun. We care about the details, we care about the energy, and most importantly—we care about the people. From start to finish, we want them to know they’re in good hands.

One of my favorite parts of every event is that moment when I get to step back and look at the crowd. The music is flowing, people are laughing, dancing, connecting. The lights, the flowers, the bar—it all comes together. It’s that feeling of being part of something magical. We may be behind the bar, but we’re right there in the heart of the celebration, helping make it all happen.

The name Barrel & Lace is special to me - I wanted something that reflected both the rustic charm and the elegance that we love to bring to events. Something versatile enough for every kind of occasion, while still feeling personal and unique. We’re professional but never too formal, fun but still polished - and the name really captures that balance.

When we launched this business, our goal was simple: book at least one event per month. We’ve been incredibly blessed to surpass that, with multiple bookings every month and the opportunity to serve all kinds of amazing clients. And we’re just getting started. In fact, we’ve got something new and exciting in the works - our first-ever hosted event! I can’t spill the details just yet, but we’ll be announcing it soon and I’m beyond excited to bring it to life.

This blog is a space where I’ll share everything from cocktail recipes and behind-the-scenes stories to tips for planning your next event. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a corporate event planner, or just someone who loves a good drink, I hope you’ll follow along. Barrel & Lace is more than a business - it’s a piece of my heart, and I’m so thankful to everyone who’s supported us so far.

Thanks for being here, for believing in us, and for letting us be part of your biggest moments. I truly can’t wait to see what we’ll shake up next.

Cheers,
– Haley
Owner of Barrel & Lace