We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Silverman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.
Laura, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Zero Proof Nation and Booze Free in DC, two communities and resource hubs I founded were both born out of a desire to build authentic community around the zero proof lifestyle, and to elevate the stories behind beverages and people in the space.
My goal is to provide platforms elevating non-alcoholic options zero proof options to each and every single human who wants something different, something new, something rebellious, something sans booze.
But why do I do this? In July of 2007 after my second hospitalization for alcohol poisoning, I knew I needed help. My life was spiraling down the drain at only age 24, and it was time for me to intervene. I started the process of getting sober and little did I know that my life was about to burst wide open, in the best possible way.
I felt alienated in social spaces (parties, happy hours, weddings, dates) for so long. I vowed to myself that not only would I help others feel less alone, but I would live my life out loud so that the booze-free lifestyle would be attractive to any and all who wanted it for a night, a month, or the rest of their lives.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Zero Proof Nation is a national/international resource hub dedicated to the art of craft non-alcoholic beverages and the people who create — and drink — them. From directories of beverages to booze-free bars, NA bottle shops, and more, this is a one-stop shop for all things zero proof.
Booze Free in DC is a hyperlocal exploration of the non-alcoholic lifestyle in the Washington DC metro area, and the website acts as a digital travel guidebook.
Beyond these passion projects, I also own a website design business for mental health therapists and mission-driven entrepreneurs. I love design, I love helping people, and I love making an impact. I also can be found on a karaoke stage, a roller derby track, or spending time with loved ones.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I came to in a hospital bed in New York City after blacking out/passing out from alcohol poisoning. It was July of 2007 and at age 24, this was already my second hospitalization for drinking in the course of 18 months.
Thinking about a life without alcohol seemed impossible, but continuing to drink seemed even more dire. I was slowly dying and needed to find a way out of this vicious cycle.
I didn’t realize I was self-medicating years of bullying wounds, of undiagnosed mental health conditions, and an accumulation of so many little and big T traumas. Getting sober allowed me to address my issues and start the healing path of recovery. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I’m the co-host of a totally unscripted podcast called By Volume dedicated to non-alcoholic beverages and music. My co-host Danny Frounfelkner out of Houston, TX is co-founder/co-owner of Sipple, Houston’s only non-alcoholic bottle shop and community space.
Danny and I met in the “chat” of a virtual Dry January Festival in January 2021. We immediately connected over music, beverages, and a shared sense of wacky humor. The rest is history.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zeroproofnation.com / www.boozefreeindc.com / www.lmsdesigns.net
- Instagram: @zeroproofnation / @boozefreeindc / @wearesober / @byvolumepodcast
- Facebook: @zeroproofnation / @boozefreeindc
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/
laurasilverman - Twitter: @zeroproofnation / @boozefreeindc
- Other: Thank you so much!!
Image Credits
All are selfies!