Living an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle with Cecilia Rios Murrieta: Co-Founder JAS Alcohol Free Cocktails

Cecilia Rios Murrieta discusses her entrepreneurial journey from founding La Nina del Mar Mezcal to creating JAS, an alcohol-free cocktail brand. She shares her passion for Mexican spirits and how her personal decision to quit drinking for mental health reasons led to the development of JAS. Cecilia talks about the misconceptions of an alcohol-free lifestyle and the importance of authenticity in branding. She also gives advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for patience, resilience, and mentorship. The episode concludes with Cecilia envisioning a brand collaboration and encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams with confidence.

The journey to mezcal and entrepreneurship (00:00:00) Cecilia's passion for mezcal and the founding of La Niña del Mar Mezcal and OMS Spirits.

The evolution from mezcal to JAS (00:01:22) Cecilia's transition from mezcal-based brands to founding JAS, an alcohol-free brand, during her MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

Starting La Niña del Mar Mezcal and the blog (00:02:22) Cecilia's efforts to educate and create a new spirits category for mezcal, leading to the establishment of La Niña del Mar Mezcal and the blog.

Creating JAS and living an alcohol-free lifestyle (00:07:27) The inspiration behind JAS, an alcohol-free cocktail brand, and Cecilia's decision to quit drinking and the impact on her life.

The joy of living free without compromise (00:10:20) Cecilia's discovery of freedom and joy in an alcohol-free lifestyle, and the meaning behind the brand JAS.

Challenges and surprises of an alcohol-free lifestyle (00:16:05) The challenges and surprises Cecilia encountered while embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle and the opportunities it brought.

The significance of brand development (00:17:19) The deeper meaning behind the brand JAS, the choice of the bold pink color, and its representation of happiness and boldness.

Overlooked aspects of brand creation (00:20:06) Insights into the often overlooked aspects of creating a brand.

Brand Development and Product Quality (00:20:08) Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of focusing on the quality of the product and brand development, highlighting the significance of what's inside the product.

Holistic Health Approach (00:21:07) The discussion centers on the snowball effect of holistic health, mindfulness, and spirituality after quitting drinking, emphasizing the shift towards self-love and self-improvement.

Challenges in Brand Development (00:22:16) Speaker 2 discusses the challenges faced in brand development, including production, finding suitable partners, and the rigorous process of starting a business from scratch.

Selecting a Co-Packer (00:23:48) The conversation delves into the essential questions to ask a co-packer, emphasizing the importance of lead times, production capabilities, and building a strong partnership.

Distribution and Retail Partnerships (00:27:16) Speaker 2 discusses the distribution of the product, including online sales, partnerships with platforms like Fair, and collaborations with retailers, highlighting the expansion plans.

Pitch Competitions and Validation (00:28:53) The conversation focuses on the significance of pitch competitions, highlighting the validation and support received, and the positive impact on launching the product.

Entrepreneurial Mindset and Resilience (00:35:37) Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the personal growth and lessons learned in the process.

Personal Background and Terroir (00:38:09) The discussion centers on the personal background and the significance of terroir in creating the mezcal brand, emphasizing the influence of family heritage and personal identity.

Passion, Destiny, and Patience (00:40:38) Speaker 2 reflects on the unexpected journey of making mezcal the center of her existence, emphasizing the importance of patience and the beauty of unexpected experiences in life.

Patience and Persistence (00:40:52) Learning patience as an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of time and gradual progress.

Founding Stories (00:41:51) Sharing amusing anecdotes and experiences from the early days of entrepreneurship and brand creation.

Discovering a Mezcal Producer (00:42:07) Recalling an adventurous and serendipitous encounter with a mezcal producer in a rural town in Oaxaca.

Yoga and Self-Compassion (00:45:16) The benefits of yoga and the importance of self-compassion in personal growth and well-being.

Eliminating Self-Judgment (00:46:20) Recognizing the impact of reducing self-judgment and embracing mistakes as part of personal development.

Embracing the Journey (00:47:17) Reflecting on not wanting to change anything in the past and encouraging self-assurance and resilience.

Drive and Determination (00:47:48) Discussing the personal strength of unwavering determination and perseverance in pursuing goals.

Mentorship and Influence (00:48:28) The impact of mentorship and the influence of a specific mentor on personal and professional growth.

Networking and Giving Back (00:52:16) Navigating relationships, networking, and the importance of giving back to others in similar positions.

Brand Collaboration and Influencer Partnership (00:53:27) Exploring potential collaborations with well-known brands and influencers to enhance product offerings and marketing strategies.

Empowerment and Encouragement (00:56:10) Encouraging individuals to pursue their ideas and aspirations, emphasizing the power of self-belief and action.