Connect
To Top

Hidden Gems: Meet Martha Morales of Pura Vida Mobile Bartending Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Morales.

Hi Martha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Pura Vida Mobile Bartending Services started from a simple idea in 2024, and my first event was that summer. In the beginning, I was learning not only the bartending side, but also everything that goes into running a professional business — communicating with clients, preparing for events, working with venues, handling insurance requirements, and making sure all the details were taken care of.

As I started working more weddings, celebrations, nonprofit events, and private parties, I realized how much I enjoyed creating a service that made people feel taken care of. For me, it has never been only about serving drinks. I care about the whole experience — how the bar looks, how guests are treated, and how we can make things easier for the client on an important day.

Since then, Pura Vida has continued to grow through hard work, word of mouth, and the relationships I’ve built with clients, venues, and people in the community. I’m proud of how far the business has come, and I’m excited to continue building Pura Vida into a trusted and well-known mobile bartending company in Oregon while staying true to the kind of service I wanted to provide from the beginning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely included a lot of learning. One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to the fact that no two events are the same while still making sure our level of service stays consistent.

Every venue has different requirements, every client has their own vision, and there are many details happening behind the scenes before we ever step behind the bar. Experience has taught me how important it is to communicate clearly, stay organized, and think ahead so that when the event arrives, our clients can enjoy themselves knowing we are prepared.

I’ve also learned to be selective about the opportunities I take on. I don’t believe growth has to be rushed. I want the decisions I make for Pura Vida to support the reputation I’m building and the level of service I expect from the business. Each event has helped me refine the way we work and become even more confident in what we provide.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pura Vida Mobile Bartending Services provides professional bartending for weddings, private celebrations, nonprofit events, and other special occasions throughout the Eugene area and beyond. We offer different levels of service depending on what each client needs, from bartender-only service to more complete setups that can include the bar, mixers, garnishes, ice, custom drink menus, and event preparation.

What I want Pura Vida to be known for is personal service and attention to detail. I never want a client to feel like they are simply another event on the calendar. I take the time to understand what they are planning, what they want their bar to look and feel like, and how we can make the process easier for them. When needed, I also communicate directly with venues and make sure insurance and other bar-related requirements are in place.

What sets us apart is that we care about the experience beyond what is being served in the glass. The presentation of the bar, the way we interact with guests, and the small details all contribute to the atmosphere of an event. We also offer bilingual service in English and Spanish, which allows us to communicate comfortably with more clients, families, and guests. I enjoy creating personalized drink menus as well and helping clients choose options that feel right for their celebration.

I’m proud that Pura Vida feels professional without losing the personal side of the business. I want our clients to feel comfortable working with us and confident that they are in good hands. My goal is for the Pura Vida name to represent friendly service, professionalism, reliability, and a bar experience that feels thoughtfully put together from beginning to end.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that people may remember the drinks, but they also remember how they were treated. You can have a beautiful setup and a great menu, but the way you treat clients and guests matters just as much.

That has shaped the way I run Pura Vida. I want people to feel welcomed, respected, and comfortable from the first conversation through the end of the event. I’ve also learned how important it is to have a strong and reliable team. At an event, you need people you can trust to communicate well, support one another, and provide the same level of service you want your brand to represent.

For me, good service isn’t only about doing the job well. It’s about being present, caring about the people you are serving, and having a team that works together to create a positive experience

Pricing:

  • Pricing is customized based on the size of the event, service time, staffing needs, location, and level of service requested. We offer options ranging from bartender-only service to more complete mobile bar packages. Personalized quotes are available after we learn more about the event and what the client is looking for.

Contact Info:

Two women in black uniforms behind a bar setup with drinks and decorations, a banner with cocktail images and text in the background.

Three women in black uniforms standing behind a table outdoors, holding bottles, smiling, with a sports field in the background.

Three women behind a bar with colorful cocktails, smiling and holding bottles, with a woman in the foreground taking a selfie.

A smiling bartender behind a bar with three colorful drinks on a tray, in a well-lit bar or restaurant setting.

Eight glasses of dark red beverage garnished with lemon slices, mint leaves, and black straws, arranged on a silver tray.

Two cocktails with mint leaves, grapefruit slices, and blackberries on a wooden table, reflected in a mirror with gold frame.

Four colorful cocktails with garnishes in front of a black backdrop with white line drawings of drinks and the words 'Pura Vida'.

Person holding a pink cocktail garnished with berries, wearing a peach-colored dress with ruffled details, and jewelry.

Person in formal attire serving a pink cocktail with decorative signs, black gloves, and bar items in background.

A colorful cocktail glass with purple liquid, decorated with a yellow bird, green leaves, and a pineapple tail, on a black background.

Suggest a Story: OregonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories