Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Wightwick
Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
While putting myself through college at Georgia State University, I was encouraged to apply for a receptionist position at PepsiCo. Knowing that I couldn’t afford an unpaid internship like many friends, I applied and figured I could add valuable skills to my resume, such as a fax machine and a copier (these were essential skills back in 2001!) This one decision led to a 20+ year career in CPG (consumer packaged goods).
I spent about five years at PepsiCo in various roles, using the marketing degree that I eventually earned. I then transitioned into marketing consulting with Nielsen. The Coca-Cola Company was my client for the first decade, where I advised clients in various ways, from category management to brand marketing to strategy and portfolio growth. Ultimately, my team and I would identify white space opportunities for the portfolio to grow. Projects included creating vitaminwater zero and Honest Kids, and investing in companies like Fairlife.
After 15 years in beverages, I desired a new challenge and transitioned to supporting over 100 clients in brand strategy and portfolio growth. I was fortunate to work in nearly every aisle of the grocery store, which provided me with a fun challenge and the ability to spot similarities in the way consumers shop for everyday goods.
Interestingly, my break from ready-to-drink beverages allowed me to see the category with fresh eyes. I noticed many friends reducing their alcohol intake and bemoaning the lack of options available in the market that felt like a festive and enjoyable replacement. I was feeling the lack of options as well. While I still occasionally drink alcohol, I’m not too fond of the non-alcoholic options of high-calorie/high-sugar cocktails or club soda with lime. Thus, an idea was born to create the first bubble-free, non-alcoholic cocktail company to drink well with others…Hapsy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working full-time during the day while attending a full college course load at night was not a smooth road, but I was young and energized enough to make it work. I don’t know if I could pull that off now! By starting my career at 20, I was a young climber of the ladder. Being young and a woman provided a myriad of struggles in the working world, many of which are still present for today’s young women entering the workforce. It takes some time to earn the trust needed to be seen as an advisor or leader, which is even more true for young women.
Becoming a parent also provides its own set of struggles as a working woman. Having your commitment to work called into question because your time is now shared with occasional breaks to pump or doctor’s appointments is an experience I think many women can relate to. I find it striking that a man can be seen as committed to his work when taking a client or customer to the golf course for 5 hours. Still, a woman is not committed when locked in an office for 30 minutes to pump breastmilk while simultaneously responding to emails and eating her lunch. This is not a personal exact experience, but hyperbole that I am sure many women can understand and relate to.
As a working mother who is also a team leader, I actively work to call out the behaviors I have witnessed and experienced in my tenure. As a CEO, I do not tolerate it and strive to allow the balance to get the needed work done and the freedom from archaic societal norms.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Hapsy is the first bubble-free, low-calorie, non-alcoholic cocktail company made to drink well with others. Our cocktails are crafted to be enjoyed with friends as is or mixed with a spirit (or spiritless) topper. We created a totally fresh and festive beverage experience for both those who do and those who don’t.
As CEO of Hapsy, I am ensuring we prioritize the customer experience with a full five-senses experience akin to what we expect in cocktails. All of my favorite cocktails are bubble-free (margarita, martini, and old-fashioned). Why shouldn’t I expect the same thing for my favorite non-alcoholic options? It’s difficult to manufacture a beverage that uses natural juices, quality ingredients without preservatives, and is shelf-stable, but we cracked the code. Our introductory cocktail, Salty Seagull, is just 20 calories and 3 grams of sugar (all from natural juices) and is delicious straight out of the can or mixed with vodka or tequila. Personally, I enjoy it in a coupe glass with a salty rim!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a child, I enjoyed spending time outside in a nearby woods with a creek or playing in the Chattahoochee River with friends. Although I was in the suburbs of Atlanta, nature is easily found in your own backyard, and I was happiest there. Like most teenagers, my friends were the lifeblood of my adolescence. I threw myself into high school drama club and the spirit squad, so between that and the woods, I was probably constantly covered in paint, makeup, or dirt.
I must admit, thinking about it now makes me think I should be a little easier on my kids, as the apples didn’t fall far from the tree! I still enjoy getting dirty outside and can be found hiking any chance I get, and I am trying to instill in them the same love of art and nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://behapsy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hapsy/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/andreawightwick/
