We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Drew Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Drew below.

Drew, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Over the last decade I have battled the ugly side effects of multiple autoimmune diseases and the unknown of a rare illness. In April of 2020 I experienced life threatening complications with my autoimmune disease, I was told by doctors that my lifestyle had to completely change. One of those lifestyle changes was to stay away from alcohol all together which was harder than I anticipated. The struggle with giving up alcohol is that it has been a part of my life since I can remember, and I truly enjoyed the social scene that is heavily influenced by drinking. So, I decided to take my pain and turn into my passion…. I wanted to live a long healthy life for my family, my beautiful children, I didn’t want my health issues and toxic relationship with alcohol to be what people remembered me by.

The lack of options in the market really inspired me to develop the idea that you can create a space that brings the same energy while abstaining from alcohol. I wanted to inspire and bring the alcohol-free movement to South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia area. After months of research Gem Life + Bar was born, a booze-free bottle shop, pop-up bar and community space.

Gem is for those who value an alcohol-free lifestyle, wellness, conscious connection, and mindful interaction,

Gem is for…

The Sober curious
Health conscious
Individuals in recovery
The retired party girl
Mental health advocates
Self-care seekers
Well-being warriors
Individuals who suffer from autoimmune issues and chronic illness
And more…

Our mission starts with empathy and meeting the customer where they are both physically and emotionally, throughout their journey. Gem allows for an individual to indulge, experience and connect in a socially inclusive space without alcohol. We currently have an online bottle shop, one physical location in Pitman, NJ, a permanent pop-up in Wildwood Crest, NJ and opening a third location in Collingswood, NJ. Our goal is to shift the narrative and normalize sobriety, provide alternatives and help people on their journey to well-being.

No matter what battles you have been through, you can turn it into something beautiful.
Good things happen to bad people all the time, we have all experienced trauma in some way, shape or form. After years of suffering from my autoimmune illness’ and mental struggles, I realized my story of survival could save lives.
I want to share my wisdom, experience, and courage, to help heal my community and promote an alcohol free lifestyle while having authentic fun. When we are engaged in Authentic Fun, we sense profound joy and connection — the gems of life’s experience!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Prior to founding Gem Life + Bar, I worked for Celebrity stylists and his salon chain as well as, large corporations such as Dex Media and Gannett, USA Today, I have worked nationwide for organizations in Kansas City, New Jersey, Washington D.C, Arizona and the Greater Philadelphia area as an accomplished Brand Development Manager. My most recent success has landed her the opportunity to partner with companies like ABC, NBC, CBS, CNBC, FOX29, Good Morning America, Estee Lauder companies, NYFW, Face Magazine, HGTV, Syfy Channel and multiple political figures.

Today I am the Founder of Gem Life + Bar. Over the last decade I have battled the ugly side effects of autoimmune diseases and the unknown of a rare illness. “I will not let it deter me from following my passions and goals in Life”. The idea of “Gem” has been brewing for years and after experiencing a life-threatening flare up in April of 2020 I knew she couldn’t sit on this idea any longer.

My mission for Gem Life + Bar starts with empathy and meeting the customer where they are both physically and emotionally throughout their wellbeing journey. Wellness and alcohol alternatives are the main and possibly the only driver for creating Gem Life + Bar. Gem allows for customers to indulge, experience and connect within sustainable wellness products, booze free options and self-care products.

Personally, I flourish on challenges especially those that expand my business’ reach and potential. My greatest strengths are in creativity, drive and leadership. My peers describe me as a resilient, passionate individual who inspires others but does so with humility and humbleness.

In all I do not allow anything to get in my way or ruin my spirit. Although I suffer from multiple autoimmune diseases, I continue to reach for my goals and not allowing the diagnosis to beat my spiritual and mental state. It is my current stature that inspires me to help others, encourages individuals to take responsibility for their health and well-being, while inspiring them to fight no matter what.

Today I hold over 20 years for experience in the beauty, wellness industry and corporate organizations. I live in New Jersey with my husband and four kids. In my free time I love to travel, do yoga, and spend time creating memories with her family.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social Media, Instagram and Facebook specifically has been the biggest driver for new clients.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Our business has been completely funded by bootstrapping. When I first launched my business, I was working fulltime and started saving majority of my paycheck to afford inventory and eventually had up enough to open my first location. To be honest, I took a huge risk tapping into our family savings, but my husband/business partner supported the decision. Today, we are thankful for the sacrifices we made to create Gem.

Currently we are expanding and looking for the right investors.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gemlifecollective.com
• Instagram: @gemlifeandbar @drewdavisbeauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemlifecollective/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewprouddavis

Image Credits
Kirsten White Photography Self(ish) Philly