We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cautney Nelson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cautney below.
Hi Cautney, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Purpose isn’t discovered in the mountaintop moments of success, but in the daily valleys where your natural talents meet the world’s deepest needs. My journey to finding purpose wasn’t a straight path – it emerged through years of listening to what consistently energized me, even during the most challenging times. The real breakthrough came when I realized that my greatest satisfaction wasn’t in personal achievements, but in creating platforms such as nonprofit organizations where others could thrive and achieve their full potential.
This discovery taught me that purpose isn’t a destination but a compass that guides our decisions. Through building and scaling our organization, I’ve found that true fulfillment comes from aligning our business objectives with meaningful impact. When young entrepreneurs ask me about finding their purpose, I tell them to pay attention to those moments when their work feels less like a job and more like a calling – those are the breadcrumbs leading to their purpose. Remember: “Success makes money, but purpose makes meaning. Choose the path that offers both, but never sacrifice the latter for the former.”
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As the CEO of The Drunken Laboratory, I’m in the business of transforming ordinary nights out into extraordinary scientific adventures. What excites me most is watching guests’ faces light up when they realize this isn’t your typical bar experience – it’s where mixology meets mad science, and everyone gets to be part of the experiment. Our concept flips the script on traditional nightlife by putting guests in lab coats and giving them the power to become scientists for the night, creating an atmosphere where curiosity and creativity flow as freely as our signature cocktails.
Managing our locations in NYC and Houston has been an exhilarating journey of constant innovation. Right now, we’re bringing back our wildly popular Love Lab experience (January 31st – March 2nd, 2025), where guests can explore the chemistry of attraction through uniquely crafted experiments and themed cocktails. The response has been phenomenal, and it’s experiences like these that remind me why we started this venture – to create memorable moments that bring people together through the perfect blend of science, entertainment, and craft cocktails. I’m thrilled to share that we’re about to add a third location to our laboratory network in 2025. The expansion represents not just growth, but our commitment to pushing the boundaries of experiential nightlife. For those who want to be part of our next chapter, follow us @Thedrunkenlab for all the latest developments.
What truly sets us apart is our ability to make science exciting and accessible while maintaining the sophistication of an upscale cocktail experience. Every detail, from our lab equipment glassware to our fog-filled cocktails, is designed to create those “wow” moments that end up on social media and in cherished memories. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just looking for a unique night out, The Drunken Laboratory offers something you won’t find anywhere else – a place where educational entertainment meets mixology mastery, and where every visit promises a new discovery.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In building The Drunken Laboratory from a single venue to a multi-location experiential brand, three essential qualities have shaped our success. First, adaptability has been our cornerstone. In the fast-paced world of experiential hospitality, being able to pivot quickly – whether it’s tweaking our interactive experiments or adjusting to market demands – has been crucial. Key takeaway: “The most successful business plan is written in pencil, not pen.”
Second, creative problem-solving sets industry leaders apart from their followers. Running an immersive venue where mixology meets science requires constant innovation. We’ve learned that the best solutions often come from unexpected places, and some of our most popular experiences were born from challenges we initially faced. Key takeaway: “Don’t just think outside the box – redesign the box entirely.”
Third, emotional intelligence is the secret ingredient that transforms good experiences into unforgettable ones. Understanding and connecting with both guests and team members across multiple locations requires strong people skills and genuine empathy. Key takeaway: “Your team’s energy is your brand’s heartbeat – invest in people first, and success will follow.”
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I’ve learned the importance of staying true to your mission while being flexible in your approach. I’ve also learned that sometimes the most unconventional ideas can be the most successful if executed well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scienceandsip.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrunkenlab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDrunkenLab/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drunken-laboratory
- Twitter: https://x.com/thedrunkenlab?s=21
Image Credits
Malike Sidibe
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