Woman-Owned Spotlight: Beth Ann Shaeffer, Founder and President of NOPE Beverages

This week's woman-owned business spotlight is none other than the incredible Beth Ann Shaeffer, Founder and President of NOPE Beverages, a non-alcoholic canned cocktail designed to change the way you chill.

Before we dive into your story, tell me how you help cultivate confidence?

I think that letting people know when they have done a great job is important. Highlighting someone’s strengths is important. Criticism should always be constructive and follow kudos to what they have already done well.

What does being a woman-owned business mean to you?

I have five sons. For me it’s important for them to see that a mom--their mom--can have a career they love and are passionate about outside of the home and family responsibilities.

What was your business origin story?

My ex-husband is five years sober and in the early stages of his sobriety and I was frustrated by the lack of tasty, non-alcoholic options that were on the market--options that didn’t mimic alcoholic beverages because that can be triggering. There needed to be a tasty option with complex flavors using clean ingredients and it wasn’t out there.

Okay, coming up with a great idea and actually taking the steps to become an entrepreneur and launch your company are two very different things. How did you know it was time to start?

It felt right. But I also did my research on beverage trends and statistics before taking the plunge. Do the research. Know the market and how your product can fill the hole.

Sometimes entrepreneurship can be a hard and isolating journey. How do you stay confident along the way?

Taking a look at where you started and where you are now is a good reminder of what you have accomplished and how much more you can do. Rereading previous positive reviews and testimonials is a good reminder of why you’re doing this and the positive effect it has on others.

If you had to list three traits or attributes that have been pivotal for your success, what would they be?

Perseverance, Grit, Confidence

What's one myth you'd like to debunk about your line of work?

That it’s as easy as walking into Whole Foods with your product and talking to a manager to get on the shelf. It doesn’t work that way at all. Or that because people see you on shelves in stores you must have money to spare. It’s very expensive to get on the shelves in the early stages of a company.

What advice would you give to burgeoning entrepreneurs?

Don’t give up! Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Tune out the negativity.

What words do you live by?

NOTHING CHANGES IF NOTHING CHANGES.

Any final words of wisdom?

Don’t give up. Don’t let one person’s negative review stop you from continuing to chase your dream. Realize there will be some very long and hard days/weeks but that the effort will pay off.