Today we’d like to introduce you to Luz Lopez & Michelle Castelan.
Hi Luz & Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Sippy Stallion was born out of a decade-long friendship and a shared love for life’s simple pleasures—great drinks, delicious bites, and meaningful connection. We’ve been friends for over 10 years, and throughout that time, we’ve always dreamed of building something together that felt both intentional and joyful.
The idea came during one of those conversations where you just start dreaming out loud. We realized there weren’t many mobile options that felt both accessible and elevated—something that could roll up to any event and instantly add a little magic through thoughtful details. So we combined our creativity and ambition, and The Sippy Stallion was born.
At the heart of it, our business is about creating experiences that bring people together. Whether it’s a backyard birthday, a wedding, or a pop-up party, we want The Sippy Stallion to feel like a moment—something you remember not just because of what you had, but how it made you feel. We hope this little dream of ours keeps growing and lives on well beyond us.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We’ve definitely had our share of challenges—some expected, some life-altering. Early in the process of planning our launch, we were in a near-fatal car accident. Recovery was long and intense, both physically and emotionally, and it forced us to hit pause on everything. That time really shifted our perspective. It reminded us just how precious life is and why it’s so important to build something you believe in.
On top of that, we both work full-time jobs, one of us is a mom, and we’re both involved in a lot of other creative and community projects. So trying to carve out space to build this business wasn’t always easy. Our schedules were chaotic, and things moved slower than we originally hoped. But looking back, we’re grateful for that timing. It gave us space to heal, to be intentional, and to build a foundation that feels really aligned.
We’ve learned that delays don’t always mean derailment. Sometimes they’re just part of the path, and we honestly feel like everything is unfolding exactly when and how it’s supposed to.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At its core, our work is about creating connection. We use food and beverage as the medium, but the real heart of what we do is bringing people together in meaningful, memorable ways. The Sippy Stallion isn’t just a mobile bar or charcuterie service—it’s a space for shared experiences.
Breaking bread, making a toast, gathering with the people you love—those things are sacred in our culture and our lives. We believe those small, thoughtful moments can transform any event into something people carry with them. That’s the kind of work we’re doing: we’re curating joy, designing details that make people feel seen, and building a business rooted in celebration.
It might look like pouring a drink or arranging a grazing board—but underneath it all, it’s about building community, honoring tradition, and helping people make memories that last.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship has shown up in our journey in a lot of different ways—not always in the traditional sense, but definitely in meaningful ones. First and foremost, we really see each other as mentors. We balance one another out in ways that keep things grounded and inspired. We push each other, hold space for each other, and bring different strengths to the table that make the vision stronger.
Beyond that, we’ve been lucky to be part of so many beautiful spaces in Nashville—behind the bar, in the kitchen, or out front in service. Every person we’ve worked with, collaborated with, or learned from has shaped us in some way. We’ve picked up wisdom from every shift, every event, every conversation. So in a way, the whole community has mentored us.
We also hope that as we grow, we can be that kind of presence for others—encouraging people to build something of their own, even when it feels impossible or imperfect. Because that’s what our mentors have done for us, whether they knew it or not.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thesippystallion
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573803275105
