Meet Julie Harris | Founder & CEO / The Perfect Mix

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

Hi Julie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Southern California and currently reside in Oceanside with my husband and business partner, Anthony, who was born in Oregon and moved down here to the sunny coast in 2000. We both grew up with wonderful parents who loved and encouraged us to go after what we want in life. They instilled core values based on our faith and anchored us in the word of God which has played an integral part of how we live out our personal and business lives.

Anthony and I met in 2002 while working in the restaurant and bar industry and were married in 2008 and together we have over 40 years of hospitality and customer service experience. Without our faith and family’s support we would not have been able to get through the challenges we faced when Anthony was diagnosed with brain cancer 10 years ago. It’s through that battle that we truly learned how precious and fleeting life is and how every moment should be celebrated which is one of the main reasons we decided to launch our own private bartending business, The Perfect Mix. Celebrating life’s moments with our clients has become one of the best parts of our work and we look forward to many more special events in the coming years.

It’s been a long journey getting here and we are still learning new things along the way but our years of experience in the private event/bar industry throughout San Diego County have given us the tools and education to feel confident in our ability to launch and run our business do we did! We strive to help each one of our clients execute the perfect event for them and their guests and to create cherished memories they can enjoy for years to come. There is always something to celebrate in life and we love getting to be a part of the best days for people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started in the restaurant industry way back in 2000 as a hostess at a steakhouse and began working my way through other restaurants and bars. I did it all, night clubs, sports bars, fine dining, casual and dive bars and private events and as I gained experience with serving, bartending & management I decided to move solely into the private event space in 2019. I worked with a large wedding venue for years and learned the ins and outs of not only private events but weddings specifically. I honestly have loved being in the private event space and it was easy for me to transition into it.

There have been challenges with it of course, from event timeline issues to the bar ingredients not being on site for the event you just learn to roll with it and pivot to make things happen for the client. The biggest challenge I think I was running into was not being in control of certain aspects of the event to make sure things got done correctly which is one reason why starting my own business made sense to me. I could create something, have more control over the execution and make sure things were done on time and the right way. I tend to be perfectionist, hence our name, The Perfect Mix. 🙂

I have learned to so much through my years in this industry but mainly how to stay calm and collected even when things get stressful and how to interact with different individuals. I want the world to know that if you have a vision and drive you can do anything. Our business and brand started with a dream and a thought and while I had never owned and operated a business of my own before I knew I could do it with the support of my husband and family. We are a small family owned and operated business who strives to help others create lifelong memories through private event bartending services and absolutely love that we get to celebrate for a living.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is the BEST city in the Nation! So much to do, so much to eat and drink! I would start in my hometown of Oceanside and go straight to the pier and visit the beautiful hotels, head up to the RoofTop bar and enjoy a margarita and then go the Top Gun house for some fresh pie. Next we would have to head down to one of my favorite places, Balboa Park. Visit some museums and grab lunch and enjoy the beautiful gardens and scenery. I currently live closer to Bonsall now and my favorite winery, Monserate, so we would have to stop by for a glass and some amazing Italian pizza then head to the best dive bar in Bonsall, Ringers for a quick beer and fresh popcorn.
I can’t forget about Z Cafe in Bonsall either, some of the best food in town and the staff is so friendly and fun. I could go on and on about food and drinks but I would love to go hiking with our pup Aspen and take my friend out to Guajome Park which is an easy and nice hike with duck ponds, horses and beautiful views. We would end the trip with some pickball at the local golf course, Arrowood and of course have cocktails at my house before the trip is over. Spicy margaritas and Old Fashioned’s are two of my favorites!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents and in-laws have been the biggest supporters of me, my husband and this business. Without their amazing guidance, support and advice I would not be who I am today.

Website: https://www.theperfectmixsocal.com

Instagram: @theperfectmixsocal

Facebook: The Perfect Mix Mobile Bartending Services

Image Credits
Sibeli Velazquez

Jade