Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Hunt-poole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
To be successful, I believe it takes a blend of vision, resilience, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to your purpose. Success is not a straight path; it requires a deep belief in what you’re doing and the courage to pivot when necessary while staying true to your mission.
As the founder and CEO of Mocktails for Mommy, my journey has been a testament to this. When I first started, I faced significant challenges. I was balancing the physical and financial demands of launching a business with the responsibility of my personal life while enduring moments of self-doubt. However, the vision to create a product that empowers mothers, celebrates milestones, and provides a space for inclusion fueled my perseverance.
One story that illustrates this happened early in my journey. I had pitched my product to a potential partner who dismissed the concept, claiming the market was too niche. That rejection could have derailed me, but instead, it clarified my purpose. I doubled down on my efforts, sought out feedback from mothers who resonated with the brand’s message, and refined the product until it was undeniable. Shortly after, I secured a small local partnership that became the springboard for larger opportunities.
This taught me that success isn’t just about big wins but about staying consistent, listening to your audience, and building relationships. Now, as I work toward ambitious goals for Mocktails for Mommy, including launching into major retailers and hosting events that empower women, I carry these lessons with me.
Success, to me, is about building something that matters, even when the odds seem against you and understanding that every step, no matter how small, contributes to a larger impact.
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?
My name is Dr. Ashley Hunt-Poole, and I am passionate about creating meaningful connections, celebrating life’s milestones, and empowering women, families, and communities. I am the proud founder and CEO of MAMA Wine, a brand dedicated to offering stylish, sophisticated, and alcohol-free wines.
How I Got Started
The idea for MAMA Wine was born from my personal journey as a mother. I’ve experienced the joys and challenges of pregnancy and postpartum life and noticed a lack of inclusive celebratory beverages for women who want to enjoy a glass of something special without alcohol. Whether it’s during pregnancy, while nursing, or simply by choice, people deserve an option that honors their experiences without compromise.
What MAMA Wine Provides
MAMA Wine is more than just a beverage; it’s a statement. Our product line includes a variety of alcohol-free wines crafted to delight the palate while keeping health and wellness in mind. Beyond offering premium drinks, we’re creating a movement that celebrates and supports women through every stage of motherhood, sobriety, and life in general.
Problems We Solve
Inclusive Celebrations: MAMA Wine ensures that moms and others who choose not to drink alcohol can still raise a glass and feel included at any celebration.
Empowerment Through Wellness: We provide a product that is sophisticated and mindful, aligning with the health-conscious choices many moms make during pregnancy and beyond.
Community Building: Through our brand, events, and collaborations, we’re fostering a sense of community among women, helping them feel supported and celebrated.
What I Want You to Know
Purpose-Driven: MAMA Wine is more than a product; it’s a celebration of women and their journeys.
Sophisticated & Mindful: Our alcohol-free wines are crafted to provide a premium experience without compromise.
Community-Oriented: Through events and collaborations, MAMA Wine is building spaces where women can celebrate, connect, and thrive.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I first started MAMA Wine, I knew that our product needed to be on the shelves of major retailers so that it was more accessible as it is such a niche product. I knew it wouldn’t be an easy journey, but I was determined to make it happen. That determination was tested repeatedly along the way.
Early on, I pitched MAMA Wine to several regional buyers, hoping to get my foot in the door. I had done my research, perfected my pitch, and even brought beautifully designed samples to meetings. But the first few responses were the same: “We love the concept, but it’s not the right time,” or just plain “NO.” It felt like every rejection chipped away at my confidence, but I reminded myself that rejection wasn’t failure—it was feedback.
So, I went back to the drawing board. I listened to every critique and refined my approach. I improved the branding, adjusted the product lineup, and even gathered testimonials from moms who raved about how MAMA Wine made them feel included and celebrated.
The breakthrough came when I attended an event hosted by a major retailer. It was a room filled with innovators and entrepreneurs like me, all pitching their dreams. I shared not just the product but the story behind MAMA Wine and how it wasn’t just a beverage but a movement to empower mothers and create moments of joy. I talked about the moms who felt seen for the first time, raising a glass of MAMA Wine at a baby shower or celebrating a milestone. I knew at that moment that I had perfected my pitch! Although that retailer gave me a no, I knew I was close.
I took that pitch to Sam’s club. The buyers listened, asked questions, and took notes. A few weeks later, I got the call I had been waiting for: Sam’s Club wanted to test MAMA Wine in a few regional stores! It felt surreal, but the work didn’t stop there.
Expanding into Walmart presented another challenge. The buyers loved the product but had already given me a no less than a year ago. I launched a grassroots marketing campaign, partnering with local mom groups, attending events, and using every tool in my arsenal to spread the word. Sales soared, and I presented my new pitch to them. Walmart finally agreed to carry MAMA Wine in even more stores!
Looking back, the journey was far from easy, but every challenge taught me something invaluable. I have heard no more than I have heard yes. The key to resilience wasn’t just persistence, but it was adaptability, learning from every setback, and staying rooted in my “why.” Today, when I see MAMA Wine on the shelves Sam’s Club in so many other stores, I’m reminded of the power of believing in your vision, even when the road gets tough.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My entire entrepreneurial journey, and life for that matter, has been one big pivot. If you can name it, I’ve probably sold it. I have dabbled in the cosmetic and beauty industry, apparel, and so many other areas of business. The business that started my venture into mom-centered products started as comfort boxes for mothers. I then recognized that single parents often need assistance and there are not many companies that focus on providing assistance for them. I shifted Mommy and Me brand to a not-for-profit entity and launched a scholarship for single parents. After becoming pregnant during the pandemic, I started making mocktails in my kitchen and sharing the recipes online. I got an overwhelming response on social media requesting to try the beverage. I begin producing those beverages and partnered with a local store to sale the beverage. My focus then became making the mocktails shelf stable. That led me to venture into researching non-alcoholic and alcohol -free wine. After that, the rest was history!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjG6Z_EmfaKAxVT2MkDHUbmMY8QFnoECCkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mocktailsformommy.com%2Fproducts&usg=AOvVaw331Fg0I-kVTnFzWdNHPRkS&opi=89978449
- Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjG6Z_EmfaKAxVT2MkDHUbmMY8QFnoECCYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F_mocktailsformommy%2F%3Fhl%3Den&usg=AOvVaw2f2mPhSGZzIjM1MrKEcegN&opi=89978449
