We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Hunt and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my business was offering a need to mommies and giving them an outlet that they might not have the opportunity to get. I had to first find a need, what is something that we as women , we as mommies, we as people are lacking? That’s better self care and to know mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially you can treat yourself because you deserve it. Once I figured out the need, my business has done nothing but be successful. Mocktails for Mommy started off as a way for myself to not go crazy. I was stuck in the house six months pregnant, COVID hit us all hard. I wanted to go out, I wanted to have fun but most of all I want to have some great drinks but of course I couldn’t. So I created Mocktails for Mommy, LLC sharing nonalcoholic recipes to women who want to treat themselves. I get a ton of people who have told me their story and how my mocktails help people who are recovering alcoholics, also people who have certain medical conditions and they cannot drink alcohol.
What should our readers know about your business?
Mocktails for Mommy started off as something for me to do. I was pregnant at the time I wanted to enjoy cocktails without alcohol. I create recipes that are booze free. While I was pregnant I was super sick so I created tea blends and other items that really helped me during my pregnancy. This all transitioned to a business and a non-profit organization helping others this is my true calling. Starting this business was almost natural and I knew it was something deep in my heart that I needed to do. The biggest challenge was getting people to understand the importance of supporting single parents. Also just getting my name out into the community and social media. People can’t benefit from something if they don’t know about it.
Some lessons I’ve learned -Start your business off small. Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Have a back up plan for the back plan, Know your target audience and who you want to convey your business to. I want the world to know that Mocktails for Mommy/Mommy & Me is to help others to know it’s ok to take care of yourself even if it’s something as simple as enjoying a cup of tea. As a Mom, Business owner, College student, Mentor honesty the list goes on and on I had my moments that I could tell I was burnt out. There was never any me time this is what I’m all about now this is what is needed across the world. Loving yourself, having the ability to take care of yourself and knowing at the end of the day when you feel burnt out you can step away and feel better. Live life and Be Happy!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I definitely would start the day of with Brunch at BLAQUE Cigar Lounge-Must Try the Chicken and Waffle Sliders and order a Mimosa( Non-Alcoholic of course) Then we would have some shopping at – H&M, Belk, Mac, Dillard’s, Random shopping locations. I love Sweets so we probably would go grab some doughnuts from the “Doughnut Hole” Best doughnuts ever, especially the Red Velvet. ‘ End The Night at TopGolf with the Kids for some Great Family Fun! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my Fiancé Robert thank you for supporting my dreams and listening to all my crazy ideas and just being amazing and supporting Mocktails for Mommy and Mommy & Me. I would also like to dedicate this shout out to my children Jeremy & Elaina- Mommy loves you guys with all her heart! Shoutout to my friends that supports me and listen to all my crazy ideas. I appreciate yall! My family is pushing me to be my best and just letting me learn. My Mommy who is very ill but we are pushing for her to get better-Love you Mommy! My Granny for being my everything without you I would have never had the opportunity to even get an education. None of this would be possible without you.
Website: www.mocktailsformommy.com
Instagram: _mocktailsformommy
Twitter: Mocktailsformom
Facebook: Mocktails for Mommy
Youtube: Mocktail for Mommy