For Audrey Ancelin, every event is an opportunity to hold each detail in the highest regard, ensuring an experience that's as memorable as it is seamless. Her mobile-bar business, Regard Libations, is a perfect example that even when life doesn’t go as planned, it has a way of leading you exactly where you’re meant to be.
Ancelin worked in the food and beverage industry for over 15 years, using it as a way to make ends meet during her years as a professional ballet dancer and again during her time as an undergraduate student at the University of North Florida. During her college years, Ancelin anticipated a career in law, preparing for law school upon graduation, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it shifted her perspective.
After years of working as a bartender in various spots around town, Ancelin developed a repertoire with many of the locals who grew to love her skills as a bartender and her friendly personality. During the pandemic, some of those locals suggested she arrange pop-up backyard bars at small get-togethers, a way to reconnect in a socially-distanced manner. She agreed, ended up loving the experience, and decided to make the business an official LLC under the name Regard Libations.
“I’m very grateful for those bar regulars and existing clients that really brought my dreams to life,” Ancelin said.
Regard Libations is a full-service mobile event bartending company that provides a luxury bartending experience. Clients provide the alcohol, and Ancelin and her highly-trained team take care of the rest. Everything from curating cocktail menus and setting up the bar space to hand-making fresh juices/garnishes and providing glassware. Once you’ve selected a service package through the business’s website, Regard Libations makes it their mission to provide everything that you need for an unforgettable event.
“My goal is to make my client’s life as easy as possible,” Ancelin said. “We’re selling our service, we’re selling hospitality. We want to make sure that the service is excellent and that the drinks are delicious and consistent.”
Regard Libations may be Ancelin’s first venture into owning a business, but she’s no stranger to the responsibilities that come with owning and running a successful brand. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, Ancelin always knew that she wanted to be the architect of her own success.
“I’ve always viewed bartending and serving as operating your own business because you’re solely responsible for how successful you are. The mindset is very similar,” she said. “My goal has always been to use a learned skill or trade as a vehicle to be an entrepreneur.”
In the four years since officially launching her business, Regard Libations has become a smash hit in the community, servicing over 220 events in 2024 alone. Ancelin and her team are the preferred vendor for many event spaces here on the Northeast Florida coast and offer their mobile bar services throughout the state, provided they come to a travel agreement with clients.
Regard Libations services a wide variety of events, from gatherings as small as birthday celebrations or baby showers to gatherings as grand as corporate holiday parties or private weddings.
“Weddings are my first love,” Ancelin said. “It’s what got my business going after I started curating the brand during the pandemic.”
Despite her busy schedule owning, operating, and acting as the face of Regard Libations, Ancelin still makes time to accompany the business as a bartender for certain events.
“I really love bartending, to this day. I just can’t let it go,” she said. “I’m fortunate enough to have an incredibly supportive partner and family and they give me the space to be 1000% all-in on my dreams.”
When envisioning the name for her mobile bar business, Ancelin knew right from the start that she loved the word “libations,” given how it captures the essence of celebratory drinks and bright gatherings. She chose the word “regard” for the way it embodies how the business approaches every client and event - with outstanding service and unparalleled attention to detail.
To reach Regard Libations, you can visit www.regardlibations.com.
