Shaking Up the Scene: Erin Baker’s Blend of Storytelling, Style, and Signature Cocktails

Some women don’t just follow the culture, they create it. That’s exactly who Erin Baker is. A storyteller at heart, Erin found a way to weave her love for writing, photography, and mixology into a career that’s as intentional as it is vibrant. She's the creative mind behind Pretty Little Bar DMV, bringing a fresh, elevated spin to milestone celebrations across the DC Metro area all while keeping her voice, vision, and community at the center. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Erin, a woman who shows us what it looks like when passion and purpose align.

1. Your work blends writing, photography, and mixology in such a seamless way. How did you discover this unique combination of passions, and what inspired you to turn it into a full career? Honestly, it all came together really naturally. I’ve always loved storytelling, connecting with people, and creating experiences that make an impact. I have a background in Public Relations and Journalism so writing was my first love, but in that industry you work a lot of events and I learned so many different skills. Once I started working events and playing around with mixology I realized how much storytelling goes into that too. I love learning new things and meeting new people, so turning it into a full career felt like the perfect way to bring all my passions under one creative umbrella.

   
   

2. Pretty Little Bar DMV has become a go-to for milestone events in the DC Metro area. What was the inspiration behind starting a liquid catering company, and how do you make each event feel personal and unforgettable? Funny enough, Pretty Little Bar DMV is my second business. Originally, I was a freelance Publicist working with small business owners to help them build their brands and events. Then the pandemic happened and most of my clients were no longer focused on PR which caused me to pivot. I decided to step away from that business for the time being but was looking for a way to bring in additional income so I started working at a bar part time. It made me realize how much I truly enjoyed mixology so I decided to put that energy into something that I own. PLBDMV was really born out of my love for bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. What makes each event special for us is the attention to detail. The bar is often where people connect the most at an event. It sets the tone for the night. I wanted to create a mobile bar experience that felt personal and intentional. We don’t just serve drink; we create a custom cocktail experience that is unique to each event's theme, aesthetic, and the guest of honor. 

   
   

3. You’ve created content for brands, magazines, small business owners, and influencers. How do you approach storytelling in a way that feels true to your clients while still allowing your creative voice to shine? For me, storytelling starts by really getting to know the client. Understanding their story, their audience, and what they want people to feel. Once I understand their vibe, I find ways to bring in my own creative touch through visuals, tone, or how the story unfolds. It's all about making the story feel fresh and engaging while still staying true to the client. It’s about finding that balance between authenticity and the client's product to make it relatable to their audience.

   
   

4. Mixology is more than just making drinks, it’s an art and an experience. What does beverage storytelling mean to you, and what do you hope people feel when they see your cocktails come to life on screen or in person? I try to center beverage storytelling around creating a whole vibe, not just a drink. It’s the colors, the mood, the meaning of the event. Where can I see them drinking it? What garnishes will look best? Things like that. Most cocktails I make are inspired by something, whether it's culture, memories, or the person the drink is for. When people see my cocktails, I want them to feel something; whether that’s joy, nostalgia, or just inspiration. And when they experience it in person, I hope it opens them up to new flavors and expands their drink palette a bit. A good cocktail can introduce you to something you didn’t even know you’d love especially when it's an experience.

   
   

5. On TikTok, you give us an inside look at your life as a content creator and bartender. How has sharing your journey online helped shape your brand, and what type of impact do you hope to make in this digital space? It's so crazy because I was against downloading TikTok in the beginning. At one point, the digital space became so overwhelming with all the new apps so I would work with it for clients but did not want a personal account. But sharing my journey online has helped me reach clients for PLB. I get to show what I am capable of and the behind the scenes of events. I also get to connect with my clients which has made my brand feel more personal and relatable. I'm all about creating community so I hope my content inspires people to chase what they love, try new things, and see that you can build something beautiful by staying true to yourself. Whether it’s another creative, a small business owner, or someone just looking for inspiration, I want them to feel like, “if she can do it, I can too.” 

   
   

6. As a Black woman thriving in both creative and service-based industries, what advice do you have for other women who want to carve out a lane that’s unconventional, fun, and deeply fulfilling like yours? My biggest advice is to trust your vision, even when it doesn’t look like anyone else’s. There’s so much power in creating your own lane, especially as a Black woman in creative spaces. A lot of people feel like certain industries are oversaturated and I truly believe that as long as you let your personality shine there is space for you. Don’t be afraid to mix things up, take risks, and let your personality shine through. Also, stay curious and keep learning. Every experience, every person you meet can teach you something. And most importantly, don’t lose the joy in what you do. That’s what makes it fulfilling and keeps people drawn to your energy.

Erin’s story reminds us that when we lean into what makes us unique, success becomes intentional not accidental. She’s not just mixing cocktails; she’s mixing culture, creativity, and connection in a way that opens doors for other Black women to dream boldly and build freely. If you ever needed a sign to step into your lane, this is it. Keep going, keep creating, and keep trusting your magic because like Erin says, there’s always room for you when you show up as your full self.

Links:

plbdmv.com

www.tiktok.com/@justerinbaker