Reviving the Appreciation of the Cocktail & Tea Cultures
and the enjoyment of spirit-free & spirit-forward cocktails or tea
King 5 Evening Television Interview
Aired March 28th, 2024
FAQs
What exactly is a Happy Traveler vintage travel bar?
1
Each Happy Traveler is a curated, transportable bar built around a specific cocktail. It comes housed in a piece of vintage luggage or case and includes all the bottles, bar tools, and glassware needed to create and share that cocktail. Nearly all items are vintage or secondhand, making every set a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.
Can I get a travel bar as a gift for someone?
2
Absolutely! Gifting is one of the most popular uses for Happy Travelers. Client testimonials on the site highlight them as hugely successful holiday, birthday, and special occasion gifts for cocktail lovers.
Do the travel bars include spirits or food?
3
No food or liquids are sold with the travel bars. However, Kim is happy to suggest appropriate spirits, non-alcoholic alternatives, or snacks to make your Happy Traveler complete.
Are spirit-free/non-alcoholic options available?
4
Yes! Kim actively champions both spirit-forward and spirit-free cocktail cultures. Many Happy Travelers are designed around non-alcoholic cocktails, and Kim also writes reviews and recipes for non-alcoholic spirits as a contributor to The Sober Curator magazine.
What is KP’s Lab / The Happy Traveler?
5
KP's Lab is the creative studio of Kim Parsley, a Seattle-area artist and curator who specializes in crafting one-of-a-kind vintage travel bars — called "Happy Travelers" — as well as collecting and selling vintage barware. The brand is dedicated to reviving appreciation for cocktail culture, both spirit-forward and spirit-free.
Are the travel bars available for purchase, and how do I order one?
6
Yes! Happy Travelers are available as custom commissions. Since each bar is individually curated, you contact Kim directly by email at ksparsley4@gmail.com to discuss your vision. They also appear for sale at various pop-up events and partner locations throughout the Seattle area.
Who is the artist behind KP’s Lab?
7
Kim Parsley is a retired interior designer based near Seattle, Washington. She leverages her background in interior architecture and design to curate and style each vintage travel bar. She has been featured on King 5 Evening, Fox13 Studio Live, The Sober Curator, and in Low No Drinker Magazine.
Where can I see the vintage travel bars and vintage barware in person?
8
The Happy Traveler shows up at a wide variety of events: cocktail festivals (like the Carnival of Cocktails), vintage markets, artisan holiday markets, cocktail classes, pop-up retail collaborations, and more. If you’re in the greater Seattle area, Kim can arrange a visit to her home studio.