'How Did They Do It? With Founder & CEO of Bev, Alix Peabody!
Bev isn't like all the boozy brands you see today, it was created to break barriers for women in the workplace and revolutionize today's drinking culture. This is one of the reasons we were so excited to chat with Bev's Founder and CEO, Alix Peabody!
Alix founded Bev, a female-lead canned wine company that is turning the alcohol industry on its feet. Once a male dominated industry is no longer.
Celebs like Erin and Sarah Foster are investors in the brand and for great reason because unlike these other boozy brands, Bev emphasizes drinking responsibly (which is def something we can get behind!)
So it's time to crack open a Bev and take notes...
LA: What is one interesting thing that people may not know about your career?
A: Before Bev was Bev, I thought I wanted to create a media or events company centered around the idea of female-owned social spaces and changing drinking culture. I ended up pursuing my MFA in screenwriting at USC to get into the media and storytelling aspect of the business. It was an incredible experience, but I quickly realized that in order to get the mission out there, I really needed a product. So, I dropped out, and started Bev as we know it today!
LA: During your professional journey, what is one mistake you made that you learned the most from?
A: Oh my goodness…only one?! In all seriousness, starting a company as a first time founder makes you incredibly resilient to making mistakes. It happens to everyone, and it really is about learning and moving on. I would say that, in the early days, there were times where I felt pressured by those with more "experience" to go in certain directions that ultimately weren't in line with my vision. I always wanted to build a digitally native brand, and it actually wasn't until 2020 that I got the opportunity to pursue the DTC side of the business in the way I always wanted. People started ordering everything at home - including wine! - and I felt like I finally got to build the company I always wanted to. Always trust your gut.
LA: What are you most proud of at this moment?
A: Honestly, it's the little things that blow my mind every day. The fact that people can (and are!) buying Bev in stores, or bringing it to parties, and i didn't personally have to tell them to do so is wild to me. There was a time when it was just me begging anyone who would give me an ear to try the product. Seeing it on shelves makes me extremely proud - of my team, and of myself!
LA: One thing you wish people would stop doing in business?
A: In business, I think it's still pretty taboo to talk about mental health struggles, particularly for founders. I recently took a mental health sabbatical, which was an extremely hard decision. At the end of the day, we need to have more kindness and compassion around this subject. Incredible founders and business people are still human, and i think that we need to be much more accepting and encouraging of high performers to take breaks. Highly recommend reading Andy Dunn's new book, Burn Rate, for one of the realest takes I've heard on the subject.
LA: Your go-to beverage after a long week (specifics please!)?
A: A mimosa made with Bev Glitz (a.k.a the Glitz Mosa). Seriously, try it!
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