Check Out Stephanie Kopyar’s Story of The Botany Bar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Kopyar.

Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi I’m Steph, I’m the founder of The Botany Bar. Thanks for being here. I’d say my story and the evolution of my business began about 14 years ago. I moved to NYC from Ohio in 2008, and I will never forget packing a U-Haul with my sister and riding off into the sunset. I was so young and determined to succeed in a city that never sleeps. NYC was one of my most influential teachers and a place I will always hold dear to my heart. She’s where my adventure began. The city has a palpable pulse. She buzzes and transmutes an energy that can feel full and energizing or completely chaotic. She will bring you to your knees but teach you how to lift yourself up with unshakable tenacity and fervor. She tests every boundary to show you how to create them; she’ll show you there’s always a dark side that lives parallel to the light, reminding you; you always have a choice.

I was on track for a career based in Fashion Merchandising, and about three years in, I decided to completely pivot and change directions. My heart wanted to be of service. I wanted to learn how to train my body and mind, harness my own energy and potential, and ultimately help others. The instructor of my first yoga class in NYC ended up being my business partner just a few years later. To transition, I sublet my apartment and chose to renounce almost all of my belongings. I had a week’s worth of clothes, 2 books, and my favorite plant, and I went to train with two teachers who had just opened a yoga studio in Queens, NY. We built the studio from the ground up, and it was here I learned everything from how to teach yoga to balancing the books, to building community, to hosting retreats and workshops. Two years later, I bought into a yoga studio in NJ and moved there for the next decade. The studio, BambooMoves, became my heart and soul. Looking back, I was still a baby, and that studio was yet again such a pivotal teacher in my life. I made a million mistakes, but I look back with nothing but gratitude. The studio and students were my lifelines, my safety net, and I will always cherish that time of my life.

I wanted to continue my education a few years into owning BambooMoves, so I traveled to India. This, surprisingly, is where I experienced women really working together and supporting one another. Women who had careers and a family and balanced them with so much beauty and grace. I had mainly trained with all male teachers before this, so this experience was eye-opening and incredibly inspiring. This planted a seed that helps drive me every day.

I married my love shortly after this trip and had a son a few years later. We made the tough decision to move closer to family, so I sold the studio to one of my teachers and headed back to the midwest. I did keep the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program I created over the last 12 years and continue to teach that today. I offer this course in my off-season with The Botany Bar in Poland, NJ, Baltimore, and locally in Lebanon, OH.

Back in Ohio, I had the opportunity to reset and reflect on what this next chapter would look like for me. I knew I did not want to pay rent. I wanted creative freedom, I wanted to be of service, and I wanted to co-create memorable experiences. Thus, The Botany Bar was born. I wanted to bring plants, herbs, and tinctures into celebrations. I wanted to shower the senses with love and care. I wanted to be a part of life’s celebrations and offer an experience that feels good. I love the details, and The Botany Bar is the perfect paradigm for me to hone in on those. Color significantly impacts our state of mind; our sense of smell is the best memory, taste brings us to the moment, and contact is a conversation. Conversations create community and connection. I’m meeting you through your senses and taking you on a journey that I hope sparks joy and creativity.

You can always expect the freshest ingredients, locally sourced garnishments, herbs, and flowers, as well as an intentional setting. Think high-vibe cocktails and mindful mocktails. The Botany Bar is a beverage catering service and a huge hug on wheels.

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?
The Botany Bar has certainly been a labor of love! I bought the 1972 Prowler camper in January and gutted it every night from 9 pm to midnight. I was freezing! I had 2 contractors help with the build-out once it was gutted but we ended up being about 2 months behind schedule so I had to launch late in the season.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have the deepest love and respect for Mother Earth. I love to infuse her into every beverage, so we can experience those healing attributes through the senses. I also enjoy mindful mixology; choosing ingredients that are also adaptogens, low in sugar, and mood-boosting.

Creating and maintaining a nurturing and supportive work environment is really important to me. We’re professional, human, and authentic. We see each other, we take care of each other, and we can pivot quickly if needed. I strive to create a culture that feels safe and inclusive.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see The Botany Bar evolving in many different directions. I can see us expanding into multiple campers or trailers offering services to various venues or markets around the city. Each bar would have its own unique look and feel. I can see us expanding into event rentals. I believe in the next 5-10 years we’ll be selling our custom syrups and mixers and sourcing ingredients from all over the world. My dream is to collaborate with indigenous cultures to help their communities prosper.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebotanymobilebar.com
• Instagram: @the_botany_bar

Image Credits
Sheryl Bale Photography