Starting a business is like believing in Bigfoot. It requires faith, persistence, and a willingness to show up, even when others don’t see your vision. For Donna Ferraro, the founder of Bigfoot Bartending, this metaphor perfectly captures her entrepreneurial journey.
Donna's story is one of a relentless pursuit of carving her own path. Ten years ago, as a young mother juggling a demanding post office job and raising her children without a support system, she faced a hard decision: work or be there for her kids. She chose family and left the post office to build a career in event bartending. But it wasn’t just about pouring drinks; it was about serving people, connecting with others, and making a meaningful impact.
Inspired by mentors Jim and Gina Stradley, owners of Sammy B's, who showed her the power of balancing family and work life, Donna realized that she could combine her passion for service with her entrepreneurial spirit. With this realization, Bigfoot Bartending was born. Named after the elusive creature that some believe in and others don’t, Bigfoot Bartending became Donna’s way of proving that even the most unconventional dreams can come true.
In 2022, after years of working events as a freelancer, Donna took the leap to formally establish Bigfoot Bartending as a high-end event bartending business. At the time, she was a mother to three young children and admittedly, the decision felt a little “insane.” But she did it and hasn’t looked back. The payoff? She now runs a successful business that allows her to support her family while staying present for her children.
But Donna’s investment in herself didn’t stop there. Alongside Bigfoot Bartending, she is also a real estate agent with Compass RE - Roten Partners and an event manager at Tucker's Gap Event Center. Balancing multiple careers could easily lead to burnout, but for Donna, it’s all part of the beautiful chaos of motherhood and entrepreneurship. By investing in her own growth, Donna found a balance between work, financial independence, and quality family time—something she never thought possible.
Donna’s journey has taught her that investing in yourself is one of the most important decisions you can make. It’s not always easy, and the road is filled with setbacks, but it’s worth it. She encourages others to trust their journey, even when others don’t believe in their dreams. “You will fail,” she says, “but don’t stop. Stay positive, keep showing up, and make it your own.”
Donna Ferraro’s story is a reminder that with hard work, passion, and the courage to take risks, you can create the life you’ve always wanted. Just like Bigfoot, sometimes the magic happens when you simply choose to show up and believe.
Find and support Donna on Instagram @bigfootbartending and @donna_ferraro_realto
Photos of Donna and her Bigfoot Bartending staff at the Lebanon City Lifestyle Savor the Season with Chef Tomasz event inside the Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lightening showroom where they prepared curated cocktails to pair with each appetizer course.