When Hive Craft Cocktails began, it didn’t start with a business plan or investor pitch deck. There was no shiny equipment, no warehouse lined with product, and definitely no roadmap.
What if I turned my love for crafting cocktails into something giftable?
What if I created a jar that held not just flavor, but humor, joy, and a reason to toast this bumpy life journey or give as a hostess gift on game night?
So I started. Nights. Weekends. After my day job. Before the doubts could get too loud. I built Hive Craft Cocktails in the margins—one small step at a time.
But here’s the part I really want to say out loud:
Don’t follow my path.
Follow your own.
You don’t need to do what I did—you need to lean into what you love. Maybe it’s baking, jewelry making, restoring vintage furniture, growing herbs, something in tech, or creating something no one’s seen before. Whatever it is, let it pull you forward. And trust your gut as you go.
There is no such thing as too small—too basic or value in belittling your path 'I'm just a home baker'—ever heard of CRUMBL COOKIE? A lot of big things start small!
If you're sitting on an idea, or feeling that itch to create, here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way (and now, wouldn’t trade for anything):
Journal or reflect before you act.
Clarity doesn’t come from scrolling. It comes from stillness. Take the time to ask yourself: What lights me up? What problem do I want to solve? What do I enjoy so much I’d do it for free—then figure out how to get paid for it.
Do the research, but don’t get stuck there.
Check the market. Look at what others are doing, but don’t let comparison derail you. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just make your version of it feel real, meaningful, and true to you.
Talk to your potential customers.
This isn’t corporate jargon—it’s real. Ask people what they want. What they’re tired of. What they wish existed. The answers might surprise you—and steer you in the right direction.
Start small, but start.
It’s easy to believe you need a logo, a website, or the “perfect” setup. You don’t. You need a way to test your idea and get feedback. Then you iterate. Do this early, do this often. Adapt. Then you grow.
Hive Craft Cocktails was never about alcohol—it was about connection. A way to make gifting feel joyful, weddings feel personal, and corporate gifts feel… well, less like branded stress balls.
So no, we didn’t have a bartender telling us what is popular or run TikTok ads constantly showing the product (we are actually way behind on marketing!).
And honestly? We didn’t need any of that. Our customer behavior is what has guided us (along with an internal compass and trusting intuition).
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re building a side hustle, or even just dreaming about it—we created the
HIVE MARKET for you.
Every third Saturday from May through October, we open our space in the Cheviot DORA District of Cincinnati, OH to local makers, dreamers, and first-time vendors. No perfect setup required. Just bring your passion and a table—we’ll help with the rest.
Apply to be a vendor or come support those just getting started. This is your sign to move from idea to action.
➡http://www.jointhehivemarket.com
Follow along at @HiveCraftCocktails