Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Malcolm.
Hi Chelsea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi my name is Chelsea and I’m the owner of C+M Cocktail Co. a mobile bartending and charcuterie company focused on Making Your Moments Matter.
It’s actually a beautiful story. I didn’t plan to start a business. In fact, I was working my second event with a mobile bartending company when the idea was first planted — not by me, but by strangers.
It was a private event at someone’s home. I had just begun setting up when the clients started asking questions:
“Do you own the company?”
“Why are you building something for someone else?”
“Why not go out on your own?”
At first, I laughed it off. I thought they were crazy. But then the event started, and the first guest through the door asked me the same thing. And then another. And another. Throughout the night, these total strangers poured belief into me — they saw something I hadn’t allowed myself to fully see yet.
That night, I went home and couldn’t sleep. I laid in bed wondering why they believed in me so deeply. What did they see that I was missing? By morning, something shifted. I designed a logo. I created a business card. I didn’t have a business yet — just the seed of one, planted by unexpected encouragement.
Later that day, I met up with some former coworkers, employees and regulars I’d stayed close to. I told them I was thinking about starting a mobile bartending company. Their reaction was electric. One of the girls pulled me aside and asked what was holding me back. I told her the truth: I’d just lost my job for refusing to break health code regulations. Money was tight, and the idea of launching something from scratch felt daunting.
She didn’t flinch.
She asked how much I needed. I told her.
She slid her credit card across the table and simply said, “Go do it.”
That was the moment. C+M Cocktail Co. was born — because strangers believed in me, and because someone who cared about me was willing to take a leap on my behalf. I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am for Michaela and her belief in me.
About a month later, those same clients who first planted the seed invited me to their BNI (Business Network International) group. I was hooked from the start. It was vibrant, motivating, full of opportunity — but also expensive. I kept visiting, but guilt held me back. I hadn’t yet paid my friend back, and I couldn’t justify the fee.
One day, a member of the group pulled me aside and asked why I hadn’t joined. I explained my hesitation. Without skipping a beat, he said, “I want to be your angel investor.”
He paid for my membership on the spot.
And that’s been the heartbeat of my business ever since: people showing up, pushing me beyond my comfort zone, believing in me even when I wasn’t sure I could believe in myself.
C+M Cocktail Co. wasn’t built with a five-year plan or startup capital. It was built on the faith of strangers and the kindness of friends — on the quiet (and sometimes loud) voices saying, “You’ve got this.”
And this — this is why I’m so passionate about giving back. Why I’m focused on building the community around me, doing volunteer work, and donating whatever I can to local businesses, charities, and 501(c)(3)s. I want to support as many local businesses as I possibly can. I want to give back to the community the way they gave to me — even when I didn’t know I needed it.
I see it as my responsibility — a way to honor the kindness and belief that was so freely given to me. I was seen when I couldn’t fully see myself, and now I get to do that for others. That’s not just the foundation of my business — it’s the purpose that keeps me going.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every road has its bumps and turns. What matters is the willingness to navigate them with grit and grace. Networking has never come naturally to me—my self-confidence often kept me in my own lane. This journey has forced me to break out of that shell and be proud of the woman I’ve become: proud of the accomplishments, the achievements, the growth. But most of all, proud of my willingness to try. Every day, I put myself and my company out there to build a better future. I rarely say no. When someone asks, “Do you do _________?” my answer is always, “I haven’t yet, but I’d be happy to learn.” That mindset has allowed both my business and myself to grow in ways I never could have imagined.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
C+M Cocktail Co. is a mobile bartending and charcuterie company dedicated to making your moments matter. Craft cocktails are my greatest passion. Years ago, I was in Las Vegas and wandered into a speakeasy. After 10 years behind the bar, I could usually identify any liquor bottle on sight—but in this bar, I didn’t recognize a single one. Intrigued, I asked for a menu, but the mixologist said, “We don’t have one. Tell me what you want to taste.” Did I want strawberries and basil with a hint of agave? Something dark and smoky? I gave him a few flavor ideas, and he created the most perfect drink. I tested him again—once more, perfection. I left that speakeasy saying, “I want to be that. I want to do that.”
For the past seven years, I’ve been perfecting my craft to create one-of-a-kind drinks tailored to each guest’s unique palate—cocktails that feel like they belong only to them.
Charcuterie wasn’t originally part of my plan. A client once asked if I knew anyone who could do it. After referring them to another company and hearing the price was out of reach, they came back to me. With 23 years in restaurants, a ServSafe certification, and experience running kitchens, I decided to cost it out and give it a try. My first grazing table was a hit, and soon I was designing custom boards—an art form I’ve come to love for its creativity and peacefulness.
Since then, I’ve been asked to take on everything from cocktail service to event planning. My approach is simple: when someone asks, “Can you do this?” my answer is always, “I haven’t yet, but I’d love to learn.” That mindset has allowed me to grow my business in ways I never imagined—and truthfully, I still surprise myself with what I’m capable of.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly, I’m part of several amazing groups that have helped me grow into a version of myself I didn’t even know existed. My biggest influence has been BNI Master Connectors in North Port, FL—a group of 64 incredible people who have pushed me to new heights. They’ve taught me leadership, communication, marketing, and how to represent both myself and my business with confidence.
I’m also active in several women’s groups, including Women Powering Change, BIG, Sarasota Women’s Collective, and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Beyond networking, these communities are about empowerment, shared growth, and genuine support.
Collaboration is another huge part of my journey. I regularly partner with local businesses like Loaded Cannon Distillery (Lakewood Ranch), Beauty Booze (Sarasota), Gasparilla Roasting (Englewood), and Luxury A&R Travel (Venice). Being surrounded by such positive role models—and having the chance to contribute to their growth as they’ve contributed to mine—has been invaluable.
Pricing:
- All pricing depends on what the clients need. No two events are the same so I didn’t want to go with the cookie cutter pricing plans that may or may not be relevant to each client.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cmcocktailco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c_mcocktailco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMCocktailCo/
