Lake Anna Life & Times was able to catch up with Karie Brooks, 39, owner of Shaken Not Spurred Events + Mobile, who recently received a Lake Anna Business Partnership Grant and expanded her business with the outfitting of a mobile saloon food truck.
Brooks lives just outside the Lake Anna community but spends so much time here it practically feels like home. Most of her events, clients and partnerships are in the Lake Anna community and where she built the foundation of her business.
We asked Brooks what prepared her to run Shaken Not Spurred and how she came up with the name.
“Honestly, I think I was born for this kind of work. I come from a family that loved to entertain — growing up in Maryland, we hosted parties, family gatherings, and celebrations all the time. I learned early on how to make people feel welcome and how the little details can make an event unforgettable.
“Professionally, I built my foundation working as an event coordinator, marketing manager, and bartender at some pretty prestigious venues. So, I got to see the business from every angle — planning, promoting, and pouring. That experience gave me the tools and confidence to create something of my own.
“The name comes from my two loves: cocktails and horses. I wanted something fun and sophisticated that tied my equestrian roots to my craft as well as my business model, and Shaken Not Spurred was the perfect blend.”
We also asked Brooks if she had a mentor or influencer that helped her realize her plan?
“Yes, absolutely. I spent a lot of time researching ideas on Pinterest and social media — looking for ways to make my vision stand out. Along the way, I connected with a mentor and mixologist in Connecticut who really gave me the confidence to believe that I could do this and shared valuable tactics and advice that shaped how I run Shaken Not Spurred today. Her mentorship gave me the courage to take that leap from idea to reality — and I’ve been shaking things up ever since.”
Brooks said her next step was to join the Lake Anna Business Partnership and entered the group’s mentorship program. She said her coach, Jody Korman, really opened her eyes to the financial and administrative side of running a business — “the part that turns passion into sustainability”.
So, Shaken Not Spurred is great option for special events and parties because Brooks brings everything you’d need as far as food and drink.
“We bring the bar — and the experience — to you. We have two beautifully converted horse trailers, Shelby and Clyde. Shelby is our vintage mobile bar, and Clyde is our mobile bar and gourmet grilled cheese food truck.
“If your space or style calls for something different, we also have five fully portable bars to fit any vibe.
“We offer several add-ons to elevate your event, including our Vintage Hydration Station, Retro Lounge, and Cigar and Whiskey Setup — all designed to add that extra touch of sophistication.”
For guests who prefer a zero-proof experience, Brooks has a dedicated mocktail bar, “because everyone deserves something beautiful to sip on”. And her newest endeavor, the Shaken Not Spurred Saloon — a 24-foot mobile bar and food truck combination —takes things to the next level for large-scale events.
So, what is it about Shaken Not Spurred that makes Brooks happiest?
“What makes me happiest about Shaken Not Spurred is watching people come together — laughing, connecting, celebrating — and knowing that we helped create that moment. Seeing guests make memories that will last a lifetime reminds me why I started this business in the first place. It’s not just about pouring drinks — it’s about being part of someone’s story.”
Getting ahold of Brooks for an event date check is done via her website: (shakennotspurredbar.com), social media or by seeing her at a local event. Once a connection is made, Brooks sets up a quick consultation to talk through the client’s vision — what kind of event is being hosted, the intended vibe, and what the clients want guests to experience. Next, Brooks helps clients decide which bar or setup fits best, whether that’s one of the horse trailers, portable bar or a full mocktail service.
“My goal is to make sure every event feels personal, seamless, and unforgettable — and that our team is the perfect match for their celebration.”
