Rebecca Styn: From Speakeasy Success to Spirit-Free Cocktail Pioneer
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In this issue of our Entrepreneur Spotlight series, we are thrilled to feature Rebecca Styn, the visionary founder and CEO of Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails. This award-winning company challenges the beverage industry with its sophisticated, non-alcoholic alternatives.
Rebecca’s journey from a speakeasy bar owner to launching an innovative spirit-free cocktail brand is a testament to creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Let’s dive into her story.
Meet Rebecca Styn: From Speakeasy Success to Spirit-Free Pioneer
Rebecca Styn has a remarkable background and over 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector. Before Blind Tiger, she founded Room 33, a speakeasy-style bar and restaurant in Erie, PA. This business saw exceptional success and was sold to her team in late 2023.
Rebecca holds a Ph.D. in entrepreneurial leadership, and her passion for the Prohibition era and dedication to the hospitality industry have led her to create Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails.
Together with her chief mixologist, Elizabeth Heffernan, Rebecca has developed a line of non-alcoholic adult beverages that offer the complexity and richness of traditional cocktails.
The Vision Behind Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails
Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails aims to provide a sophisticated beverage experience that caters to everyone, whether looking for a non-alcoholic option or an effortless mixer for traditional cocktails.
Their products recreate classic Prohibition-era cocktails, such as the Bee’s Knees, Southside Mojito, Ward 8, Sidecar Mimosa, and Lavender French 75, and have already earned 29 top-tier beverage competition awards. Blind Tiger is not just about beverages; it’s about inclusion, ensuring everyone feels a part of the occasion.
Rebecca A. Styn, Ph.D. Founder & CEO | Blind Tiger
A Typical Week in the Life of an Entrepreneur
Rebecca generously shared a glimpse into her multifaceted week, highlighting the diversity of roles an entrepreneur assumes.
Here’s what she says:
“I don’t really have a typical week (lol). But right now, it’s pretty multi-faceted – I hold the role of fundraiser, CEO, accountant, quality assurance manager, assistant, operations personnel, and so much more. I could be working in a warehouse and moving pallets or meeting with an angel investor out of town.“
Strategic Growth and Career Highlights
- Growth Strategies: Influencer partnerships, email campaigns, word-of-mouth, and in-store demos have been pivotal in driving Blind Tiger’s growth.
- Greatest Challenge: Patience. Rebecca emphasized the importance of persistence in the face of rejection, viewing “no’s” as potential “not right now.”
- Significant Achievement: Winning a $50,000 grand prize from Ben Franklin Technology Partners Big Idea Competition right after launching, which played a crucial role in the company’s early success.
Tools, Technologies, and Insights for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Rebecca stressed the importance of contract manufacturing and digital platforms (e-commerce and social media) in Blind Tiger’s operational success.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace failure as an integral part of the journey towards success.
Rebecca Styn’s Lightning Round
In this lightning round, I asked Rebecca Styn to answer 10 rapid-fire questions:
What’s something that’s in your pocket at all times when you’re outside, besides your phone?
One dollar bill
Artificial intelligence: hope or dread?
Both
If you were out of business tomorrow, what job would you pursue?
I don’t think about that.
One object from your childhood you could never throw away?
Memories
One feature you wish your phone had?
A working speaker
Your favorite mobile app?
The book that most influenced you?
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Messy desk or clean desk?
Messy
One thing you always have in your fridge?
Wine
Best movie ever?
Rocky
Join the Spirit-Free Revolution
Rebecca Styn’s journey from a successful speakeasy owner to creating an innovative, award-winning spirit-free cocktail brand is inspiring. Blind Tiger is not just redefining the beverage industry; it’s creating a space where everyone, regardless of their drinking preferences, can enjoy sophisticated, richly flavored adult drinks. Rebecca’s story underlines the essence of entrepreneurship: innovation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a vision.
If Rebecca’s story inspires you and you want to learn more about Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails or support their journey, visit their funding page.
Rebecca and her team are passionate about expanding their reach and continuing to innovate within the spirit-free niche, proving that entrepreneurship is not just about creating businesses but about championing change and inclusivity.
Connect with Rebecca Styn on LinkedIn and follow Blind Tiger on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on their latest creations and milestones.
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or business enthusiast looking for inspiration? Stay tuned for more stories and insights in our Entrepreneur Spotlight series. Until next time, here’s to your success!
A special thanks to Startup Shinobi for introducing us to Rebecca Styn.
I’m founder of BizStack at Cagri Sarigoz LLC and a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs.
With over 14 years in tech, marketing, and AI, including my role as Head of SEO at CitizenShipper and co-founder of TaleBot at Intale AI, I’m dedicated to sharing genuine, useful product insights and tips.
At BizStack, I aim to cut through the digital noise to provide clear, actionable advice.
And more than all else, I’m a father to a (always) little girl and a husband.
Contact me at [email protected] for assistance.
