We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Craven and Alexis Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole Craven and Alexis Smith, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Nicole (Co-Founder): Imagine my self-care routine as crafting the perfect espresso martini: a vigorous blend of workouts to energize the body, a rich infusion of thought-provoking reads or podcasts for mental stimulation, topped with a generous splash of personal hobbies to keep everything lively and full of zest. Exercise is my way of hitting the reset button, not just toning muscles but also sweeping away mental clutter and dialing down stress. Diving into books and podcasts opens up a world of perspectives and knowledge, equipping me with the insights and creativity needed to navigate business hurdles with finesse. And those hobbies? They’re my secret ingredient for keeping my identity vibrant beyond the confines of Après Hours, sparking innovative ideas I can shake into our venture.
Alexis (Co-Founder): My approach to self-care is like a global espresso martini tasting tour, each experience enriching my wellness palette. I weave travel, meditation and a mix of Pilates and HIIT workouts into my routine. Traveling introduces new cultures and insights, meditation centers my thoughts and the physical mix challenges and energizes my body, enhancing our work at Après Hours with a tasteful perspective and vibrant energy.
Our self-care regime is our secret energy elixir, vital for navigating the intricacies of Après Hours. This regimen not only keeps us physically agile but also mentally sharp and emotionally resilient, enhancing our productivity and readiness. It’s a holistic strategy that boosts our endurance, focus and resilience, crucial for overcoming entrepreneurship’s challenges and thriving amidst adversity. Ultimately, self-care is key to our success, enabling us to lead with energy, clarity and creativity, transforming challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Après Hours, our mission goes beyond the ordinary; it’s about infusing life with an energy that resonates well beyond the last sip of an espresso martini. ‘Après Hours’ is more than a time of day—it’s a philosophy that every moment should enrich the soul. Our foundation is built on a shared enthusiasm for not just energizing beverages, but also igniting a zest for life and a drive to pursue one’s passions. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to excellence, our drive for innovation and our ambition to foster a community rooted in empowerment and transformative change. Each espresso martini we offer is a testament to our commitment, blended with top-tier ingredients to ensure an unparalleled experience that honors the craft.
We’re thrilled to share the rollout of our latest merchandise collections coming Spring 2024, tease the introduction of an innovative new offering and highlight our plans to venture into fresh markets. Our aim is to simplify the enjoyment of espresso martinis with our three flavors, Classic, Vanilla and Salted Caramel, that come ready-to-drink with a shot of espresso, 10% abv and provide a pick-me-up (without the bloat) thanks to our dairy and gluten free ingredients. Whether you’re savoring at home or sipping on the move, we envision Après Hours as a beacon for transformation, motivating individuals to transcend limits and redefine the norms of both cocktail culture and the broader world. The time has come to shake things up!
Stay connected and join the movement online. Discover our products, engage with our community and be part of the change at www.drinkapreshours.com and follow us @drinkapreshours on social media. Let’s make every hour an Après Hour, where energy and inspiration flow freely.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on bringing Après Hours from an idea into existence, the three pillars of resilience, creativity and discipline stand tall as the driving forces behind our success. Resilience has been our compass through the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, guiding us through challenges and setbacks with unwavering determination. Creativity has been the spark that sets us apart in a bustling marketplace, enabling us to innovate and captivate with our unique brand and offerings. Discipline, meanwhile, has been the anchor, ensuring we stay focused and execute our vision with precision and consistency.
For those just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey, it’s crucial to cultivate resilience, creativity, and discipline. Treat every challenge as an opportunity for growth, constantly look for inspiration to spark your creativity and always consider the perspectives and needs of your audience. Discipline is key to staying on track, making sure every step you take is in line with your objectives. But remember, these practices go beyond mere self-improvement; they’re about shaping a persona that not only resonates with others but also motivates them. And never shy away from making a pivot; adaptability is your greatest asset. Change is the only constant, and being prepared to navigate through it is essential for success.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Definitely! At Après Hours, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of what we do, and we’re always eager to create new partnerships that elevate our brand and amplify our message. We’re on the hunt for creative minds, influencers and forward-thinking brands passionate about infusing energy, excellence, empowerment and innovation into their work. Our collaboration could range from unique co-branded merchandise and exciting product collaborations to crafting engaging content, embarking on joint adventures or orchestrating memorable events. We’re all about creating extraordinary experiences that not only resonate with our audience but also spread the vibrant, caffeine-fueled energy that’s core to our ethos.
We value partners who are ready to bring innovative concepts to the forefront, align with our mission to invigorate and uplift and are enthusiastic about making a real difference. If you’re a brand or individual driven to redefine norms, cherish activities that boost energy and champion the strength of community ties, we’re excited to connect with you!
For those interested in sparking a partnership or collaboration, reach out to us at [email protected] or slide into our DM’s at @drinkapreshours. Let’s join forces to create something truly spectacular and keep the momentum of energy alive!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drinkapreshours.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkapreshours
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinkapreshours
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apr%C3%A8s-hours/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drinkapreshours
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkapreshours?lang=en
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Caliber Creative + David McKenzie (SNAX Media)
