We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Kruszyna recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I have worked in the restaurant industry serving and bartending for over 18 years. In August 2020, I made a life-changing decision to cut alcohol out of my life for good. While on this new road to living alcohol free, I noticed there weren’t many options for fun nonalcoholic craft beverages that made me feel like i was a part of the party. I wanted to be included. Once, when I was out for a nice dinner in a swanky restaurant with my husband, I was offered a Shirley Temple as my cocktail alternative and it was then I saw there was a real need for sophisticated nonalcoholic cocktails for grownups. Post Covid, I noticed I wasn’t alone on this new path. I realized that many people have started to re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol. I decided that while was I making this huge change for myself, I could create an opportunity for others to be able to enjoy and craft beverage in a social setting without alcohol.

After much research and perfecting consistent recipes, I created a line of truly one of a kind zero proof cocktails, syrups and shrubs. The next step was sharing my product with friends and family. I tested the waters in just a few local farmers markets and in May 2021 I took the dive and quit my full-time job in the restaurant industry. After that, I put both feet on the boat and it was full steam ahead.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Although many don’t know what a shrub is, it has been around for many years. A shrub is a traditional drink made from organic apple cider vinegar, some sort of sweetener and fresh fruit. Not only does the Apple cider vinegar have health benefits it also adds a slightly acidic finish to a cocktail creating complexity without necessarily having to add alcohol. Shrubs have a long history dating back hundreds of years but gained popularity here in the states in the colonial era. Before Coca-Cola and other popular fountain sodas, shrubs were a common place refreshment.

By re-introducing shrubs in a new and exciting way, I have been able to create a small batch craft beverage that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. My primary purpose is inclusivity. Whether you don’t drink ever, are taking a break, or looking to mix up a fancy craft cocktail, my zero proof cocktails are for everyone!

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

From the beginning, it was really important that my business stand on its own legs. I have never taken out a business loan nor put my own personal finances in jeopardy. I started out slow, working many hours and distributing my product personally to farmers markets and events. Slowly but surely I was able to save up money and started to scale up. Buying larger quantities of produce, bottles, etc. I grew the business one building block at a time. I now have helpers that work various farmers markets, I have wholesale accounts to local women owned businesses, and a very supportive husband who helps sort out my finances and taxes. I still ship every single order, personally answer emails, and build my website and social media.

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

Working in the restaurant industry, reputation is everything. I learned from a very young age that word of mouth is the best form of advertising. If you have a consistent delicious product, people will hear about it. I always envisioned my product being shared at family gatherings and parties where the host is making craft cocktails for their guests and someone asks, “What is this and where can I get more?!” It is really important to me that I scale my business in a sustainable way so that customer service and quality of the product never suffers. Although it has been slow but gradual, there has always been an incline in growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mimidaebeverageco.com
• Instagram: @mimidaebeverage

Image Credits
Johnathan Humphrey