In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson sits down with Kristen Knapp, the Founder and CEO of Heartbeat Hot Rosé, the world's first rosé with a spicy kick. Kristen shares her unique journey from a background in celebrity branding to creating an innovative, spicy rosé that is taking the market by storm. The discussion covers everything from the creative process behind the product's flavor profile to the challenges of building a brand in the competitive alcohol industry.

1:00 Min - Transitioning from a career in celebrity branding to founding Heartbeat Hot Rosé, inspired by her quarantine experiments with infusing tequilas and wines.

3:00 Min - The meticulous process of creating a balanced spicy rosé by fermenting peppers and blending them with rosé, leading to a product that stands out in the market.

7:00 Min - The rising popularity of spicy flavors in the beverage industry and how Heartbeat Hot Rosé is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend.

9:00 Min - The challenges of growing a brand from the ground up, including door-to-door sales efforts, building a sales network, and exploring potential future product expansions.

12:00 Min - Understanding the primary audience for Heartbeat Hot Rosé, focusing on women aged 25 to 35, and how the brand tailors its marketing strategies to this demographic.

Kristen Knapp’s journey with Heartbeat Hot Rosé is a fascinating example of innovation in the alcohol industry. From her creative approach to product development to her strategic plans for growth, Kristen's story offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. As the market for spicy beverages continues to grow, Heartbeat Hot Rosé is poised to become a leader in this emerging category.

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mushroom-media-marketing/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenknapp/

https://moreheartbeat.com/

In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson interviews Mary Anna Ossa, Founder of Partners & Grapes Organic Wines. Mary Anna shares her inspiring journey from a stay-at-home mom to a successful entrepreneur in the wine industry. The discussion explores how she developed her brand of organic, vegan, and sugar-free wines, the challenges she faced as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry, and her strategies for scaling her business across multiple states.

1:00 Min - Transitioning from a career in real estate and mortgages to founding Partners in Grapes after discovering organic wines in Spain.

3:00 Min - The creation of Partners & Grapes’ wine portfolio, including the sourcing of ingredients from a woman-owned vineyard in Catalonia.

7:00 Min - Strategies for expanding her business from local sales to statewide distribution in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.

11:00 Min - Navigating complex regulations, overcoming industry biases, and learning to grow at a sustainable pace.

Mary Anna Ossa's journey is a testament to the power of determination and passion in building a successful brand. Her story provides valuable insights for anyone looking to break into the beverage industry, particularly in the organic and sustainable wine sector. As she continues to grow Partners & Grapes, her commitment to quality and customer satisfaction remains at the forefront, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mushroom-media-marketing/

Website: https://www.partnersandgrapes.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-anna-ossa/

In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson sits down with Brandon Crockett, Senior Sales Executive at AccelPay, to delve into the world of e-commerce and digital marketing within the alcohol industry. Brandon shares his journey from telecom to the beverage industry and discusses the significant role e-commerce plays in helping alcohol brands thrive, especially in the post-pandemic era. The conversation covers strategies for boosting online sales, the importance of digital marketing, and the challenges of navigating compliance in the alcohol sector.

• 1:00 Min - Brandon’s journey from telecom and music to becoming a key player in the alcohol industry, emphasizing his passion for marketing and e-commerce.
• 4:00 Min - How the pandemic accelerated the need for alcohol brands to adopt e-commerce strategies and how they can leverage data to make informed business decisions.
• 10:00 Min - The critical role of digital marketing, including social media, SMS, and email marketing, in driving traffic to e-commerce sites and increasing conversion rates.
• 13:00 Min - The complex and often outdated legal landscape surrounding alcohol sales and distribution across state lines, and how companies navigate these challenges.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to understand the intersection of e-commerce, digital marketing, and the alcohol industry. Brandon Crockett’s expertise provides a clear roadmap for alcohol brands aiming to expand their online presence, navigate compliance, and ultimately increase sales. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this conversation highlights the importance of innovation and adaptability in today’s market.

Website: Mushroom Media

LinkedIn: Mushroom Media Marketing

Brandon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-crockett-4881b341/