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

Ellie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

I am moving into a season where I want to help other businesses and corporations be more inclusive in their company parties and employee celebrations, so this question hits home. Providing a non-alcoholic bar or menu at your company events is absolutely crucial to being an inclusive workplace.

The reasons why someone may not be drinking for the evening are MANY – from pregnancy, to health reasons, to a dry month, to supporting a family member, to wanting to drive home safely. The reason why isn’t actually important, but what companies can do is consider these individuals and make them just as comfortable and celebrated at their events as everyone else.

Even drinkers would sometimes rather have a mocktail (if it’s made available to them) just because it sounds tasty or interesting. Leaving these options out can make those choosing to not drink feel otherly and forcing some employee’s hands towards a drink when they would rather not have one.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Absolutely! Phoenix has been home for me since I was 2-years-old and though I’ve moved away a couple of times, I always came back home. I’ve moved away and come back a couple of times but now, I am raising a family here and am dedicated to effecting my community directly in whatever small way that I can. And that is by providing more non-alcoholic beverage options, alcohol-free social spaces, community, and resources for those looking for fun without the booze.

I started with throwing events, then moved into having a curated (and virtual) booze-free bottle shop, with local delivery and pick-up. Now, we are creating other guides for fun booze-free things to do around the valley, as well as party packages so everyone can have a fun and functional non-alc selection at their next gathering.

The main takeaway the readers know is that the core of my business is about having fun without the alcohol, but that I take that fun very seriously. Inclusivity and normalization of booze-free options is incredibly important to me and I think it has the potential to change the state of the world.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I have built my audience organically and slowly, and I wouldn’t had it any other way! Everyone starts out at 1 follower. And while, yes, some may seem to suddenly go viral the most important things are connecting with your followers and staying true to yourself. So my biggest advice is not getting into the comparison game, you really have to do what works best for you so that it doesn’t feel forced.

As I sit here writing this, I have about 1,600 followers (after 1 year’s time). That’s not “a lot” by any means, but I can proudly say I actually know or have met at least 70% of them. I message at least 10 people a day – not always about business, but just general connection, celebration, and supporting my community. It is so hands-on and authentic, that there is no other option than growth. So my second piece of advice is to not think you are ever too big OR too small to respond to someone’s message or send the first message. Instagram DM’s have made me a lot of friends and a lot of business!

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I am actually currently in this process of making Dry In The Desert my “full time buisness” after a year of it being my side hustle, born from the desire to see more alcohol-free social gatherings. I still wanted to dance and laugh and party, but with alcohol completely taken off the table. I was witnessing the alcohol-free space start to become “a thing” but not so much “a thing” in my own town yet. So I took that responsibility into my own hands.

I never knew where this leap would take me, how deep I would go into the non-alc beverage industry, and how I could become even more passionate about sober socializing, but I keep taking one small step at a time and just believing that I’m doing the right by my values.

The key milestones were getting my first paid event sponsorship, meeting one of my biggest idols in the industry and seeing his belief in me, and winning the Curious Elixirs scholarship through Sans Bar Academy! Day after day, I was telling myself “this can only ever be a side hustle” but all these other people seeing me and believing in me made me think, “It’s time I believe in myself, too.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dryinthedesert.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dryinthedesert
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-st-aubin-01b16299/

Image Credits
Blake Nolan, Stephanie Smith, Melissa Wilcox