Meet Jen Olafson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jen Olafson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jen, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’ve encountered my fair share of those moments of imposter syndrome since launching my non-alcoholic mobile bartending business in 2021. This journey has been full of me questioning myself and my abilities, but over the last few years, I’ve developed some strategies to help me overcome imposter syndrome or at least remind myself that I am on the right track with my business.

First of all, I find it important to never stop learning and to seek out new knowledge and skills related to mobile bartending and the non-alcoholic beverage industry. I am constantly researching new products, testing out new recipes, and growing my network of zero proof experts. Staying informed helps boost my confidence and be able to educate others on serving non-alcoholic options.

Next, I remember the importance of celebrating the small wins. I am working on growing my mobile bar business while working a full-time job. Sometimes when starting a business, it’s easy to overlook the small victories and only focus on big goals. I make it a point to celebrate every successful event, positive customer feedback, or new partnership. I’ve recognized that every small achievement reminds me of the progress I’ve made in my business.

Stop comparing yourself to your competition! When you start paying too much attention to what others are doing, it robs you of the joy in what you are doing and can make you question your abilities. Instead of seeing how I size up to the competition, I like to focus on the unique value my services bring to my clients. Zero Proof Lush offers something special—a sophisticated, inclusive, and fun beverage experience that caters to everyone. By focusing on the value my business provides, I can shift my mindset from self-doubt to confidence in what I bring to the table (or bar.)

Keep in mind that not everyone is going to understand what you are doing or celebrate all of your wins. There can be a lot of negative and not-so-nice feedback on the internet which can lead to imposter syndrome. When I’m questioning my abilities, I like to reflect on the positive feedback I’ve received from clients or guests. It reinforces that I am on the right path and making a positive impact.

During this journey, I’ve found that it’s important to have a strong support system. I’m fortunate to have a network of friends, family, and mentors who believe in me and my vision. Their encouragement and feedback help keep imposter syndrome at bay.

Lastly, it’s necessary to remain mindful and practice regular self-care. Starting and growing a business is stressful, so I make sure to take breaks and manage stress. Make time for activities that recharge you, like getting out in nature or spending time with friends and family.

Together these strategies help keep me grounded and more resilient against imposter syndrome.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I launched Zero Proof Lush in 2021 with a vision to create an inclusive, elevated, and not boring booze-free beverage experience for all types of events. My mission is to provide non-alcoholic drinks that cater to everyone to ensure that no guest feels left out.

Zero Proof Lush specializes in offering premium non-alcoholic mobile bar services. I cater to a wide range of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, birthdays, baby showers, and wellness events. Event menus feature an array of creatively crafted mocktails, alcohol-free spirits, and zero-proof beverages that are just as enjoyable and refreshing as their alcoholic counterparts.

What excites me most about my services is the growing appreciation for mindful drinking and the inclusive atmosphere created at non-alcoholic events. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people’s faces light up when they realize there are fantastic beverage options that don’t include alcohol.

I offer a customized experience and work closely with my clients to tailor services to their specific needs and preferences. Beyond mobile bar services for events, I also offer workshops where participants can learn about non-alcoholic mixology, the benefits of mindful drinking, and how to create delicious mocktails at home.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey with Zero Proof Lush, three qualities and skills that stand out as most impactful are creativity, a customer-centric approach, and adaptability. Creativity has been essential in crafting unique and memorable non-alcoholic beverages that differentiate Zero Proof Lush from other services. Staying inspired, embracing feedback, and collaborating with other creatives have been key strategies. Additionally, understanding and prioritizing the needs of my clients creates repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. I listen to my clients, go the extra mile with personalized touches, and tailor services based on their feedback.

Adaptability has also played a significant role in my business. I find it important to stay flexible, view setbacks as learning opportunities, and maintain a positive attitude. For those early in their journey, my advice is to remain passionate and dedicated to your vision. Develop your skills, seek feedback, and remain adaptable. Embrace every experience as a valuable step toward your goals.

How would you describe your ideal client?

The ideal Zero Proof Lush client values inclusivity and is looking to create a memorable, alcohol-free experience. They are looking to offer high-quality, non-alcoholic options to their guests and appreciate the added value of a zero-proof mobile bar whether they are also serving alcohol or planning a strictly dry event.

Mobile bar services from Zero Proof Lush are perfect for weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, wellness retreats, corporate gatherings, charity fundraisers, and more.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroprooflush
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroprooflush