We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessie Goodall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessie below.

Jessie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2023, straight out of college, I decided to join Besa mi vino, an innovative startup aiming to revolutionize the wine industry by making organic canned wine accessible, convenient, and cool for younger generations without sacrificing quality. Leaving behind the more conventional path of getting a stable 9-5 job, I embraced the uncertainty and excitement of the startup world.

At Besa mi vino, we faced a significant challenge: the wine industry heavily caters to older consumers, with 70% of wine consumption by those aged 60 and older. The younger demographic, especially Gen Z, was largely untapped and inadequately marketed to. We saw this as a gap we could fill with our unique product and brand approach.

My current role as Head of Events at Besa involves leading a dynamic team and organizing events and collaborations with notable partners like Warner Bros., First Round’s On Me, and Blush, which significantly boosted our visibility. Our brand voice, as described by our Head of Social Media, Ella Harrington, is fun, cheeky, and Gen Z-oriented, setting us apart in a crowded market. This connection with our audience was pivotal to our growth.

One of the biggest risks we took was introducing Besa Hard Seltzer. This pivot required substantial investment and was a departure from our original product line. Despite the uncertainty, our gamble paid off, leading to increased sales and a stronger market presence. We even achieved early acceptance into Total Wine for our seltzer, marking a significant milestone in our journey. Today, Besa mi vino is distributed in over 150 accounts across California, bringing our innovative products to a growing audience.

Jessie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jessie Goodall, and I currently serve as Head of Events at Besa mi vino, a Los Angeles-based startup that prides itself on being female-funded, female-fronted, and operated by UCLA Bruins. I have always immersed myself in the startup world, influenced by the entrepreneurial success of both my parents during my upbringing. The thrill of independently navigating challenges and delivering new creative solutions resonated with me, ultimately leading to my current role.

Over the last 8 months, events have been pivotal in building Besa’s brand voice, brand recognition and community across Los Angeles. These events have not only allowed us to connect directly with our consumer but also build valuable partnerships and collaborations within the industry. By consistently delivering memorable experiences, we have strengthened our presence in the market and laid a solid foundation for continued growth and success.

One of our standout events was The Women Empowerment Barbie Fashion Show, in collaboration with Warner Bros. This event featured 20 female leaders/entrepreneurs walking a pink carpet with over 2,000 attendees. Notable participants included the first bald Sports Illustrated model, Christie Valdiserri, Sterling Champion, the owner of She Marks, and the entire Besa mi vino team. It was a proud moment to see the event live-streamed by the LA Tribune.

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

My creative journey at Besa Mi Vino has been driven by our mission to disrupt the wine industry with innovative, organic canned wines that resonate with younger consumers. Working in a small team of three, we’ve faced numerous challenges typical of startups: limited resources, intense competition, and the constant pressure to innovate and grow.

There were moments of uncertainty and struggle, especially when our ideas didn’t immediately gain traction or when setbacks seemed insurmountable. However, these challenges fueled our determination to find creative solutions and push boundaries.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing our ideas come to life and succeed. Launching Besa Hard Seltzer and gaining early acceptance into Total Wine were significant milestones that validated our hard work and creativity. Another thrilling experience was developing and releasing the Besa Mi Vino drinking game “Spin the Besa” on Amazon, which gained popularity across Los Angeles. Also, witnessing it being played on a popular global TV show was truly memorable moment.

Our journey at Besa Mi Vino isn’t just about selling wine; it’s about changing perceptions, creating memorable experiences for our consumers, and pioneering a new approach to wine consumption.

Have you ever had to pivot?

With startups there are always challenges- there is no road map of how to navigate exactly how you should build a brand and the operations which come with it. Our motto for our small team is “fail fast and learn fast” which reflects the fast-paced and adaptive nature of our work environment.

Last year, when the whole wine category was down, we made a strategic pivot to throw Besa events with our proprietary drinking game, Spin the Besa. These events range from small 100 person intimate events like our Besa x Hwood Group Game Nights at Harriet’s Rooftop to full 800 people productions like our Blush x Besa Country Concert.

In response to the wine industry being down we also pivoted our focus to a new product— the Besa Hard Seltzer. Unlike the majority of seltzers on the market, which are made with low-quality malt liquor, ours is crafted with organic wine. We have already secured retailer Total Wine in Southern California, and our next target is Bevmo.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drinkbesa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkbesa/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-goodall-401177213