Meet Marina Porrata | Police Dispatcher & Mobile Bar Owner

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

Hi Marina, how do you think about risk?
I strongly believe risk taking is very important, in every situation. Whether it’s taking a risk of leaving your current job to try out something new or moving to a new area for a fresh start. Taking risks played a huge role in who I am today and what I have accomplished. A few years ago, back in June of 2020, I packed my bags and moved a crossed country from New York. At first coming to Arizona was one of the most scariest things as I would be leaving behind most of my family and friends. A few months after living in the desert and finishing up my college degree online. I got a job at the Phoenix Police department as a police dispatcher. Ive worked there for the past 3 years while starting up my current business called Cactus Blossom Mobile Bar. When I first started my business, it started out as a hobby. I didn’t think it would grow so much. I always knew I wanted more and I wanted to be my own boss. So my husband and I bought a vintage horse trailer from facebook that would one day be turned into a cute trailer bar. At first, I was very hesitant to spend thousands of dollars on a trailer and renovations, especially when I had no idea how to even start a business. But taking the risk, even though it was a scary one played a huge role to where I am today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are Cactus Blossom Mobile bar! Which is a mobile bartending business based out of Queen Creek, AZ. Not only do we offer professional bartending services, we can do anything from cocktails, mock-tails, lemonades, coffee and hot chocolate! I put so much pride into not only the drinks looking amazing but tasting great too. All of our drinks are made from the freshest ingredients and scratch syrups. Currently we have 3 vintage horse trailer bars and adding a vintage camper bar soon! We have been in business for almost a year now and have grown so much. Im so excited to see where this adventure takes up and how much more we will grow. Although this year has consisted of many ups and downs, many long sleepless nights, many tears shed thinking about giving up, I’m so glad we didn’t and it has been the greatest blessing in disguise.

One thing I would want the entire world to know is, owning a business is not easy. But if it’s something you really want, you can do it. Everyone around you may tell you, not too or that your dream is too big. But I promise you, if go for it, the hard work will pay off.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I come from a small town in upstate New York, so for me Arizona is amazing! I love coffee, so one of the first places I would bring my best friend is to Daily Drip in Scottsdale. The coffee is amazing, so is the food and the owners. Im a big foodie person, so I would take them to so many fun restaurants. One of my favorite places is a Ramen restaurant in Gilbert, AZ called Kazu Ramen. It’s a super yummy place is you love ramen and sushi, like I do. Every Friday night, at the Queen Creek library it’s food truck night. My husband and I love to attend either as a vendor or to get dinner. We often sell lemonade out of one of our trailers there! I would definitely recommend checking it out as it’s a good way to support small business owners while getting dinner! As far as places to visit, I would take my friend to the Grand Canyon, because it’s a must if you come out to AZ. I would also take my friend to Sedona for a hike and to see all the red rocks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be anywhere I am today with my number one cheer leader and supporter, my husband. Since day one of telling my husband I want to start a mobile bartending business he has been there by my side making my dreams come true. My husband has spent endless hours driving to all different states to pick up our various trailers. From there, he has spent even more hours renovating everything to make all of my visions come to life. I wouldn’t be anywhere I am today without him and I’m forever grateful for all the love and support he gives myself and this business on a daily.

Website: https://cactusblossommobilebar.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cactusblossommobilebar?igsh=MTA1eGZ3cnZmaGx6MQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092541525781