We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Wayne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
There are more people “curious” about non-alcoholic options than you realize. There are more sober people than you realize. There are more people questioning their relationship with alcohol than you realize. We’re just not talking about it as much as we should.

But COVID and the quarantine of 2020 shed light on a brewing problem — drinking because of boredom, drinking to nurse anxiety + depression, drinking to ESCAPE reality. Many became more aware of new and worsening habits and they saw a need to change for better health. This didn’t necessarily mean going “sober.” But cutting back wasn’t a terrible idea.

Alcohol and celebration has become synonymous in American culture. Does this mean that those that don’t drink alcohol can’t celebrate? Restauranteurs and event planners aren’t taking an active role to being inclusive — yet. But we’re on our way. Presenting a whole new category of non-alcoholic spirits, wine, beer and ready-to-drink mocktails.

What many don’t realize is that — when presented with the option — a non-drinker will pay for (or accept) a delicious NA drink.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I found purpose in my pain. Instead of looking back on my life as a multitude of mistakes and wrong turns, I’d like to think that I took the long way in the right direction. Every “job” I had over the past 25 years — including network marketing — set me up for the work I’m now doing. Work that I love that makes an impact on the lives of others.

As a Stanford graduate, my peers are doctors, lawyers, engineers, the founders of big tech companies. As an event planner in New York City, I used to say: “my friends are going to save the world and I’m going to plan the party.” Now I want to do both! I BELIEVE I am doing both. I share my story as a heart attack survivor and my journey with sobriety so that others feel less alone and seek help before its too late.

Stepping out with ON THE MOCKS was taking the road less travelled. I’m proud because at first it was terrifying to speak up about non-alcoholic drinks like NA beer + wine + spirits within the recovery community. I’m a people-pleaser and these can be a triggering, sensitive subject for some. However, I knew (I know) that not everyone is my audience BUT there are people like me out there. While I may lose the attention (or respect?) of some people in the recovery community, I will gain the attention of those that are seeking a solution for cutting back on their alcohol intake… And/or looking for a sophisticated NA alternative to wine, beer + cocktails. Not just fancy juice and over-garnished mocktails, but serious alternatives that take inclusivity seriously.

ON THE MOCKS started as a Facebook group + passion project in March of 2020. I quickly found myself putting a lot of my own money into the group while tasting + marketing brands for free. My entrepreneurial-side started to sweat, so I created a mocktail bar beginners guide that people could purchase + download. I decided to take OTM to the next level in January of 2021. But I’ll be honest, I struggled with defining what that was. What I was selling + how. The launch of our sober apparel line was a flop as I tried to keep costs down. I wonder if we didn’t sell a lot because I wasn’t wearing it enough myself? Or not showing it off enough online? Not printing, packaging + shipping it from home? Was it too expensive? Should I have gotten more sober friends/influencers involved? Or maybe… Maybe it was all of the above. As a small business owner, I’m learning that it’s super important that you LOVE what you are doing. And that you show it. Don’t say it. Show it. I’m a writer by nature and I hide from the camera. I don’t think I show enough.

How did I get here? It wasn’t easy; it isn’t easy. But I believe this is my calling. I believe I’m supposed to share out loud the one thing I was most afraid to talk about. The former party girl… The party planner… She now helps non-alcoholic beverage brands tell their brand story so that the fun can continue for those living an alcohol-free lifestyle.

ON THE MOCKS is a community, a marketing platform + an online market place for NA beverages…. And this party is just getting started.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Let me start by saying that “I am a product of the product.” I am coming up on 39 months alcohol-free (Aug 6th) and I have a number of people to thank for that. I was afraid to give up alcohol because I thought my life would be over when instead, “the party” was just beginning. There’s a beer in my hand, a glass of wine, a cocktail — it’s just different. NO ALCOHOL. I have to thank Kayla Lyons, founder of “1000 Hours Dry” + @JoinSoberish for creating an online community on Instagram that allows for open and honest conversation about the many ways to recover (not just AA). This led to me starting the Facebook group, ON THE MOCKS, where I met new friends Richard Loud + Chelsea Mitchell, Carly + Ian Blessing, Laura Silverman and the founders + marketing directors of many non-alcoholic beverage brands {Lyre’s, Drink Monday, Spiritless, Free Spirits}. ON THE MOCKS is a community; a conversation. I can’t thank these people enough for being leaders + noise makers in this movement. Sharing recipes for NA drinks + new NA brand discoveries helps us all to make better choices as we open our eyes to the many OPTIONS that are available to us.

My success + the success of ON THE MOCKS is measured by our growing community and the sharing within this space. We’re just getting started.

Website: www.onthemocks.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthemocks/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinewayne/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinewayneconnect

Other: Instagram Personal – https://www.instagram.com/misschristinewayne/ Facebook Biz – https://www.facebook.com/christinewayneblog

Image Credits
All Christine Wayne

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