Meet Stacelyn Labio & Kathryne Lara

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacelyn Labio & Kathryne Lara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacelyn & Kathryne, what matters most to you?
Stacelyn:

For me, the value of connection is my driving force. That starts at home with my family, kids and my closest friends, sharing real moments, laughter, and unfiltered stories. These values carry into everything I do. Going into business with my best friend is the epitome of this.

It might be silly but creating this business was a way to spend more time with my best friend of over 20 years. Our lives had become so different, going into business was a way of bridging that gap. I’m a boy mom in the countryside and she’s a dog mom in the city. She is an office supply loving office worker and I’m a food and hospitality veteran that just can’t stay still. Together we’re goofy foodies and we wanted to share that with people. So, with our powers combined we connected our initials, our love for how a drink in hand had the potential to connect people, and brought the things we valued the most into Kindred Spirits Pouring Company.

No matter where I am or what I’m doing, the goal is the same: to create that sense of affinity I value in my own life. As a mother I know what it’s like to run the show and miss the party. To help someone relax and truly enjoy and connect with those around them is what success looks like in my book.

Kaye:

When it comes to this business and my partnership with Stace, I place our friendship as the priority and driving force. That connection brings a deep trust into the foundation of everything we do — without it, this partnership wouldn’t work. We’ve been friends for decades, so there’s a level of understanding between us that most people can only hope for in a business partner. I know how to communicate openly with her, anticipate her strengths and weaknesses, and trust that she’ll do the same for me.

We always have each other’s back. When we decided to start our own business, it was never just about making money (though that’s always a nice bonus). For me, it was about being there for my friend — uplifting her, supporting her, and creating something together we’d never done before. I wanted an outlet for creativity, a way to give back in a different way, and with both of us having backgrounds in hospitality and customer service, bartending felt like a natural starting point. From there, I knew we could grow into other areas we love, like tea and coffee.

Work–life balance is always a moving target for me. One week looks nothing like the next. The best way I’ve found to keep some sense of order is to write it out, plan it out, and check it off. I’m a big fan of lists, which helps me manage the chaos, though things still fall through the cracks, especially with a new business. Having supportive partners in life, love, and business makes all the difference. Since Stace and I were friends first and truly understand each other’s lives, we navigate the hectic weeks with patience and humor.

That combination of trust, friendship, and shared purpose is what keeps me moving forward, no matter how busy or unpredictable life gets.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Stacelyn:

Kaye sums this one up pretty well. I will tell you I am most proud oh how we have handled our Partnership. Building this business with her has taught me a lot about myself and dive deeper into my own strengths and weaknesses; that insight is invaluable. Kaye and I have been through a lot together and this latest adventure in our friendship has really showcased the best of our individual strengths so we can show up for our clients and responsibilities. It’s crazy how, your best isn’t always what you think it would be. Most of the time for me, it’s a balancing act between genuine rest and diligent work so I can show up at my best. Right now, I want the world to know we want to help them make their celebrations more enjoyable.

Kaye:
Kindred Spirits Pouring Company started as an idea between best friends who wanted to build something creative, intentional, and rooted in connection. We’ve both worked in hospitality and customer service, and we’ve always believed that drinks have a unique way of bringing people together. Whether it’s catching up over boba, sharing a coffee, or having a drink at the bar, that sip creates space for conversation in a way a full plate of food sometimes can’t. A drink gives you pauses — little moments to listen, laugh, and be present.

We launched as a mobile bartending business, but with a twist: our events are about the full experience. Whether it’s a craft cocktail bar, a cozy coffee and tea service, or a specialty menu for a private event, we design each experience to feel personal, intentional, and memorable. We don’t just pour drinks — we “fill your cup,” literally and figuratively. That means filling it with positivity, support, love, and energy. It’s also a reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup — taking care of yourself allows you to truly show up for others.

One of our biggest lessons: success in this industry isn’t just about great drinks — it’s about relationships, consistency, and never losing sight of your brand’s story. Kindred Spirits isn’t just about alcohol and is more than beverages; it’s about creating connections, celebrating craft, and making each event feel unforgettable.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. Starting a business from scratch comes with a steep learning curve — figuring out permits, legal requirements, branding, and finances — all while balancing our personal lives. The biggest thing that’s helped me push through is knowing I’m not doing it alone. Having a strong partnership, leaning on our support system, and being willing to ask for help has made all the difference.

I’m most proud of how far we’ve come in such a short time and how we’ve stayed true to our values — trust, creativity, and connection — through every step. I want the world to know that Kindred Spirits is here to make people feel seen, to create moments worth remembering, and to fill their cup with a little more joy, one sip at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Stacelyn:

Breakfast at Yaqui Coffee house in Chula Vista for their mango sticky rice Latte
Hikes down blacks beach or rancho penasquitos trails
Beach picnics at garbage beach or bird rock
Tacos at El Viejan Seafood in Millenia Chula Vista
Sunsets watching acrobats, yogi’s by the pier in ocean beach

Kaye:

If my best friend was visiting, we’d hit a mix of San Diego musts and some of my favorite local spots. For food, tacos are non-negotiable — Lolita’s, Tacos El Gordo, or Sayulitas are all solid, and Taco Tuesday in Old Town is a must. I’d also make sure they try fish tacos from TJ Oyster Bar or Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill, and we’d wander through Liberty Station Public Market or Market on 8th for some food hall grazing.

For drinks, we could go downtown for a lounge/bar crawl (maybe stop near Petco Park if there’s a game) or keep it more low-key with a North Park crawl — but we’d definitely hit Part-Time Lover or Polite Provisions. I could make them drinks at my place, but hey, they’re on vacation and I’m on their vacation too.

Activities would depend on the weather — maybe a beach day in La Jolla if it’s warm, or Mission Beach and Belmont Park if it’s cooler. We could rent bikes and cruise along the shore, paddleboard in Mission Bay, or have a picnic at Kate O. Sessions Park. If we’re feeling active but want a view, hiking Torrey Pines is always a winner. For something more laid-back, we might spend the day at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, wander the shops near Hotel Del Coronado, or stroll through Seaport Village. A museum in Balboa Park or catching a performance at the Organ Pavilion could be fun too. And even though I haven’t done it yet, I’ve always wanted to take the green trolley around the city or hop on that seal boat bus tour in the bay — it just feels like the ultimate tourist-in-your-own-town thing to do. We’d wrap it all up with a sunset at Sunset Cliffs — because you can’t beat that view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Stacelyn:

I recognize Llewelyn Labio. My now late sister. If you look her up, you’ll know why I can’t stop looking up to her. My middle sister Brendalyn Labio for being the rock I wish you wouldn’t be, for your sake, thank you for being my source and sorry for the pressure, but what’s a diamond without it? Shouting out to my creators, my parents, for sacrificing your freedom for my expression. I can’t forget about those who helped me create and those who I’ve created. My life partner and my baby boys, you are my motivation for always being not just good, but better. On a more recent timeline. Jeff & Austin Roberto of Sushi On a Roll and Roberto’s Tako Shop for being the best balance between intellectual and creative business and lifelong friendships.

The biggest shout out to my best friend and new business partner. Kaye, Thank you for your presence, your loyalty, your trust and vulnerability. You have been my moral compass when all else was failing since I was just 12 years old. Starting this adventure with you was an easy decision for me, so thanks for taking the chance and hopefully we’ll be living our dreams in a dreamier setting soon.

Kaye:

I’d like to give a big shoutout to Stace. I don’t think I would have stepped outside of my comfort zone if it wasn’t for her. Having someone I trust completely, who not only gets me as a business partner but also understands me on a personal level, is something I never imagined I’d be lucky enough to have. Over the years, we’ve joked about starting a pizza shop, a club, or whatever random idea popped into our heads at the time, but I don’t think either of us thought we’d actually bring one of those ideas to life. And yet, here we are. Her support, honesty, and ability to keep us grounded has been everything. We’ve built this business on trust and shared vision, and I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else.

I also want to thank my fiancé for being my behind-the-scenes rock — helping with troubleshooting when things go sideways, cheering me on when I doubt myself, and taking on day-to-day tasks at home so I can focus on growing Kindred Spirits. This new venture wasn’t exactly the big plan we had for the year, but he’s been with me every step of the way, even when things got messy.

To our friends and family who’ve come to events, shared our posts, given feedback, or simply believed in what we’re building — your encouragement has meant more than I can put into words.

I also want to acknowledge Jeff Roberto of Sushi on a Roll and Kyoto Gift & Food, and Austin Roberto of Roberto’s Tako Shop. They’ve been instrumental in helping us take the first steps in setting up our business and even helped us land our very first gig. Their generosity and guidance have made a huge difference, and I’m so grateful for their support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredspiritspouringco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kindred-Spirits-Pouring-Company/61577902882994/?ref=pl_edit_xav_ig_profile_page_web#

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kindredspiritspourco?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/Kindredspiritspouringco?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadZhym8HvjAymw2m010paIBe2MBDUlBnaNeswVoFI95M88PyIYxxzBGL1wzow_aem_y3XxbdSXtsOdq2x6ZEEJFg

Image Credits
Stace Labio
Kaye Lara
Frank Ree
Rowel Romero
Paul Lara
Brain Calilung
Ronald P