Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Becca Halbert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Becca, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

Often times people who identify themselves as non-drinkers, sober, sober curious, or just currently not drinking get characterized as “alcoholics” like it’s some sort of stigma that our culture will not allow anyone to shake. This is burdensome, and unfair for those who have decided a relationship with alcohol just doesn’t work for them. Just because someone chooses not to drink, doesn’t necessarily mean that they have a “problem”. But quite frankly, even if it did, why would it matter? Recognizing any problem and doing something about it, like getting and staying sober, should be something we celebrate, no matter the circumstance. Alcohol is the only drug where you have to justify not taking it. Would you ask someone who drinks decaf coffee, why they drink it instead of “regular” coffee? This mindset is why I created The Booze Break, which serves as a platform to bring awareness to brands and companies who offer a non-alcoholic beverage.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

The Booze Break started because I felt like more people needed to know that alcohol beverages do exist. Non-alcoholic (NA) spirits, beer, wine, and canned zero proof cocktails are being produced all over this country and people need to know about it. I do feel like if I had known about the NA industry, I would have stopped drinking a long time ago. I am a very social person, so even as a non-drinker, I continue to go to parties, bars, and restaurants and expect a beautiful alcohol-free cocktail in my hand. It’s so exciting for me to say that the notion of me drinking such a beverage at a normal social event, is no longer a strange thing.

The Booze Break is not anti-alcohol. But I do believe everyone could benefit from a booze break at least every now and then. Although it’s just a side passion project of mine, I try my best to promote as many brands as I can. As an ambassador for several NA companies, I like to offer my opinion of what’s going on in the market, and what I see that works or doesn’t work for marketing materials and/or brand initiatives that are being rolled out. Since I am in Texas, and the NA trend is still slowly creeping its way towards the middle of the country, it’s fun to see what’s next for my area before it happens.

I’m connected to a lot of different fans, and brands and that connection is what keeps The Booze Break going. I am most proud of the introductions I have made from brands to consumers, or from brands to brands for future partnerships. Connection is a beautiful thing!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

For my full-time gig I work in nonprofit fundraising. With that being said, staying focused on mission is always most important when it comes to reaching your goals. I apply this same thinking in regards to The Booze Break, I always remember the people who have reached out to me with words of inspiration on how my page helped them not drink at a party, or gave them an idea on what to order at a restaurant. Remembering the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ will keep you going as long as your passion is still there.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I don’t have a huge following on social, but slowly it continues to grow. I try to connect with other sober creatives to gain insight, ask questions, or just build community online. The internet can be a powerful tool for good, so it’s important to use it in the best way. Using hashtags on Instagram works. Engaging with the people who actually ‘like’ your posts works too. It’s fun to learn from other’s perspectives on why they interact with your page.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @theboozebreak
• Facebook: @theboozebreak