Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulina Baykova.
Hi Paulina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Was laid off September 2024. Started brain storming business ideas with a friend that was laid off around same time.
She got a job at Swede Alley liquor store and noticed a business opportunity: providing mixers, barware and non-alcoholic options.
Applied for SBA loan and opened the shop the next summer, July 2025.
My former business partner felt Park City market wasn’t working and wanted to open a store near her home in Salt Lake Valley.
We amicably signed an LLC separation agreement and went our separate ways.
My lease wasn’t renewed in the original spot but I heard back from the owner of a similar business in Kimball Junction, Liquor Essentials. I’ll be the retail manager there and am bringing a bunch of new non-alcoholic options to complement his well-curated inventory and barware accessories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m grateful that no one’s life was on the line, retail isn’t very dangerous. The most difficult part was dealing with disagreements regarding what inventory to buy. The business lost alot of money on inventory that was not selling fast enough and expired.
Rent was basically impossible to keep up with through the slow months and record breaking-ly bad snow season.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I really enjoy introducing people to new mocktails and NA beers, but my favorite things to curate are bitters and de-alcoholized wine. I love that one of the local manufacturers, makes Banana Foster bitters (Sarah Lund of Honest John’s LLC).
I’m starting to understand/acquire a taste for NA wine and love introducing people to the low calorie bubbly options like Joyus Rosè.
I enjoy bringing alcohol free options to various events: 100 mocktails? Easy-peasy. Want to do a tasting event of various zero proof spirits? Sure thing – if I may bring my favorite botanical elixir: Drømme (made in Draper, Utah.)
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
There’s a book called “The Wheel of Consent,” and I wish I had taken the workshop prior to starting this biz. The principles are applicable across all fields and I realized after taking the workshop last month, that I have been a bit of a doormat; I should have stuck to my “guns” regarding financial boundaries; I often felt like I was caving on decisions that I did not want to do; that did not benefit me, that didn’t make sense. Practicing listening to my body when I’m deciding Yes, No, Maybe has cleared up my path forward. I feel more joy, knowing I’m pursuing what I WANT.
The workshop was so helpful that am going to take the next level of the workshop, next month, taught by one of the authors, so that I can better apply the practice; and feel more confident sharing the knowledge.
Pricing:
- When things get close to expiration dates, I lower prices or give them away.
- I know amazon and big box stores might have better prices but by supporting a small local business, you’re helping our community stay vibrant and diverse instead of cookie cutter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Mixersandmore.cloveronline.com
- Instagram: MixersandMoreUT
