We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Harrison a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
One of the biggest trends I see in this industry is no originality!!! If someone assumes you are making money they will hop on the train and just put out anything for a quick buck. Not at TipsySips By T&L. I take pride in making my very own juice blends and only using top shelf premium alcohol to create my unique cocktails.
Lisa , 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?
My name is Lisa Harrison. I’m an advocate and home health nurse for people with traumatic brain injuries and developmental disabilities. Specifically dealing with life after trauma with a emphasis on human and labor trafficking. A lil background about myself, I lost my Mother at the age of 9 and it was the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced. I use my own experiences to help others get threw the most difficult times in life. The way that TipsySips By T&L came about was during the coronavirus pandemic. Now don’t get me wrong I have always been the drink maker of the family but not in this capacity. Around 2019 I started gifting drinks to family and friends for their birthday. It was simply called the “birthday bowl” this bowl was made for the guest of honor and specific to their taste in drinks (light, dark, sweet, strong etc). It was a huge hit so it kind of became a tradition. With no worries for the non drinkers, I also offered non alcoholic and even CBD versions depending on peoples therapeutic and/or medical needs. Once the pandemic hit in 2020 people where calling me everyday asking me to whip them up something and I would say “I don’t sell drinks I give them as gifts”. Everyone started saying I will pay for that!! I made a few cases and was sold out in less then a hour with multiple request still coming in. At that moment I know I had something special and the people wanted it. I was then invited to vend at a pop up shop and this open up a whole new world to me as I started getting calls for all kinds of events (baby showers, weddings, cookouts, retirements, etc). At this time I fully branded TipsySips By T&L and expanded my products to party packages, gummies and brownies. I now have over 15 cocktails choices and seasonal flavors, plus I ship nationwide. I’m most proud of the influence this has on my children. In 2021 I gave my crunch cake recipes to my kids who have branched off to their very own business 3ddesserts where they offer a variety of homemade desserts and mock-tails. Lastly the main thing that I want potential customers to know is if they let me know what they need or is looking to achieve I’m willing to help by making custom orders Special to each customers needs at TipsySips By T&L we are so much more then just drinks.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was that I simply can’t help everyone. I saw another up and coming entrepreneur in the world of pop up they offered a totally different product. I tend to take people under my wing and try to help them grow and it was a mistake this time because this entrepreneur took it upon themselves to start selling the same drinks that had purchased from me under their name and brand. Once they heard from my attorney it was shut down. So you have to be careful who you try to help. Lesson learned.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My co founder and business partner is actually my oldest son. He is the T in T&L. He is the muscle so to speak. He does the heavy lifting and is a awesome promoter. I’m blessed to have him on my team.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tipsysipsbytl.com
- Instagram: tipsysips_tl
- Facebook: TipsySips By T&L
- Other: Tiktok TipsySipsByTandL