Meet Blake Baylin | Owner of Parkys Saloon + President of Bella Beverage Catering

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

Hi Blake, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was 26, young and admittedly a little naive—but I knew one thing: I wanted to be my own boss. The idea of having ownership over my schedule, my space, and my future really excited me. I loved the thought of creating a welcoming environment in my own bar, and that’s how Parky’s Saloon came to life. A few years later, I launched Bella Beverage Catering because I craved a new challenge and needed a change from the day-to-day rhythm of bar life. I wanted to do something that allowed me to connect more deeply with people, enhance their special moments, and really lean into my passion for service. Bella has given me that outlet—where hospitality meets creativity and intention.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I currently own two very different but equally meaningful businesses—Parky’s Saloon, a neighborhood bar in La Mesa, and Bella Beverage Catering, a full-service beverage catering company based in San Diego. I originally purchased Parky’s with two partners and have since bought both of them out. It’s been a journey of growth and learning, and I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built around the bar. Parky’s feels like family—for both our customers and our bartenders.

Bella Beverage Catering started humbly in my one-car garage. In the beginning, I worked every event myself and hired family and friends to help as the business grew. What started as a side hustle turned into a full-fledged company fueled by my love of customer service, hospitality, and creating meaningful experiences for people.

What sets Bella apart is our dedication to elevated service, fresh local ingredients, and a deeply personal approach to every event. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate activation, or private gathering, we aim to make the beverage experience memorable and seamless. We’re known for our professionalism, creativity, and the heart we pour into each event.

The road hasn’t always been easy—there have been growing pains, staffing challenges, and lessons learned the hard way. But through it all, I’ve leaned on resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the value of what we do. I’ve learned that starting small doesn’t mean thinking small, and that building a brand with integrity and intention always pays off.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my businesses, it’s that everything we do is rooted in passion, service, and community. I’ve built these businesses from the ground up, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited about where we’re going.

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?
Day 1: Beach Day & Coastal Dining
Start with a beach day at Hotel Del Coronado—nothing beats the sunshine, ocean breeze, and that classic SoCal vibe.
Lunch at Serea, right on the beach, for fresh seafood with a view.
Take a leisurely walk through Seaport Village and along the Harbor to soak in the skyline and grab a scoop of gelato.
Day 2: Rooftop Views & City Strolls
Explore downtown, then enjoy lunch on the rooftop at Seneca—a favorite for its Italian food and incredible views of the bay.
Stroll through Little Italy, pop into a few boutiques or the public market, and enjoy happy hour at a local wine bar.
Day 3: Nature & Wildlife
Spend the day at the San Diego Zoo—I love the walking trails and the way you can truly lose yourself in nature and animals.
End the day with dinner in Kensington or North Park, maybe grabbing craft cocktails or catching live music.
Day 4: La Jolla Adventure
Head to La Jolla to explore the coastline and visit the Birch Aquarium.
Watch the sunset over the water and then grab tacos at Taco Surf in Pacific Beach—a local favorite for good reason.
Day 5: On the Water
Book a day boat outing around the bay or out to Mission Bay with a cooler full of snacks, drinks, and music.
Spend the evening having a picnic at Presidio Park—one of my favorite hidden gems with beautiful views of the city and a peaceful vibe.
Day 6 & 7: Relax & Reconnect
Visit local farmers markets or check out Liberty Station for food and art.
Maybe a spa day, brunch at The Cottage in La Jolla, and one last sunset walk on the beach to wrap up an unforgettable week.
San Diego is full of energy, creativity, and stunning scenery—but what makes it really special are the pockets of calm, culture, and connection. That’s what I’d want to share most with anyone visiting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, my shoutout goes to my mother. She’s been my constant encourager and biggest believer—even during moments when I didn’t believe in myself, and especially when others said it wouldn’t work. Through every challenge, setback, or failure, she reminded me that resilience is a choice and that every stumble is just part of the path forward. Her unwavering support and strength have shaped so much of who I am as a business owner, a mother, and a woman. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her influence, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

Website: https://www.bellabeveragecatering.com

Instagram: @bellabeveragecatering

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-baylin-4529b01aa/

Image Credits
Chelsea Loren
Mirelle Carmichael
Paris Karsh
Audrey Cardenas
Kristen Vincent