PORT ST. LUCIE PEOPLE
DAWN MARTIN
Age: 49
Occupation: Mobile bartender/
mixologist and events/wedding
planner
Family: Son, Austin, 19, and
German shepherd, Mercedes, 9
Education: Briarcliff College and
Nassau Community College, bachelor’s degree in business
and medical billing
Hobbies: Dancing, shooting pool
Who inspires you: “My mother always inspired me. She was
a go-getter and never let anything get in the way of what she
wanted. She taught me to never give up on my dreams and that
if you want something enough, only you can make it happen.”
What is something most people don’t know about you: “I
always put everyone before me, they know that but don’t
know the set-backs it gives me and, even though it does, my
heart is fulfilled by others’ happiness.”
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DJ Louie G. Their friendship would help to set the trajectory
for her businesses.
“I met Louie and first worked for him as a DJ assistant
when he was just starting his DJing business,” Martin says.
“I remember being at different events and weddings while
assisting Louie and jumping in to help brides with forgotten
details such as lining up for entrances, prepping for the toast
or assisting with cake-cutting and bartending.”
Martin recalls that one day Louie casually told her that she
should start her own mobile bar for events. With that idea,
Drinks by Dawn was established in 2014 and she was off and
running.
“Her passion to serve others and her passion to create
memories that would last a lifetime is the spark that started it
all,” Louie G says. “Dawn is extremely smart, thorough and
absolutely compassionate and self-giving. She is constantly
putting herself before others.”
This type of attitude has helped Martin create lifelong
friendships, loyal clients and a name in the event planning industry.
Martin and Louie G are very structured in their work
and have always helped each other out in business endeavors.
The two have remained close friends since they work so
well together and often work many gigs side-by-side.
Martin is constantly on the go. While alcohol can be a great
addition to a wedding, birthday party or other celebration,
Martin also realizes that too much of a good thing can be dicey.
“We know that people enjoy drinking while they celebrate
with family and friends so I like to make sure we are not
overpouring and keeping an eye on the guests’ intake,” Martin
says. “I keep our standards high and make sure everyone
is having fun but also being safe while doing so.”
The flavorful cocktails, a fun bar with LED lights and
professional servers add the extra wow-factor to any event.
Martin is constantly working to develop customized drink
menus with cocktails that are not too sweet or too tart and are
garnished fittingly with fresh fruits.
Drinks by Dawn was a definite success, but Martin continued
to find herself jumping in to assist bridal parties or
families at different celebratory events.
“One time, I was working as the bar service for a wedding
and there was a huge mishap with the cake delivery,” Martin
says. “The caterers were freaking out, they were going to
notify the bride and I told them, ‘no way are you going to
put this stress on her right now, we need to figure it out’ so I
jumped in and did just that. I smoothed out the cake, collected
beautiful flowers from around the venue and did the
best I could to fix it.”
In 2017, Martin opened her second business, Serene Events,
that provides services including, but not limited to, day-of
coordination, event setup, break-down, décor rentals, travel
arrangements and complete event planning.
Martin says she lives to provide not only a service for her
guests, but a wonderful experience.
Martin also says that this line of work is not for the faint of
heart.
“I pretty much thrive on the stress and pressure of eventplanning
and setup,” Martin says. “I’ve been told I am very
stern, but in a good way, because I can’t tolerate any nonsense.
These events are supposed to be special for the guests
and my clients and I make sure that it happens just so. You
only get one shot at it.”
Martin relishes the positive feedback she receives from a
client saying how perfect the event had turned out because of
her services. To her, it means she achieved her ultimate goal. E
Martin and her team attend to many details, including planning, complete
setup, decorating and break down following the event.