January 20th, 2025
Women Who Build: Andrea Wightwick
Welcome to Le Femme Foundry, where we shine a spotlight on trailblazing women reshaping their industries and redefining leadership. This week, we’re thrilled to feature Andrea Wightwick, a seasoned beverage expert, dedicated to creating unique, socially inclusive, and flavorful non-alcoholic cocktails through her innovative brand, Hapsy.
With 20 years in the non-alcoholic beverage industry and experience marketing over 200 drinks, founder Andrea Wightwick recognized a gap for unique, socially inclusive beverages. She created Hapsy—a line of bubble-free, alcohol-free, low-calorie, and low-sugar canned cocktails that delivers a premium experience and aims to make today 5% better than yesterday.
Can you remember the first moment you thought, “Oh, this is going to work!“?
The first time my husband said, “you know I really wish I had a Salty Seagull cocktail right now, I just don’t feel like making my normal marg and I don’t really want a “drink” drink, it’s a Monday after all”, I knew I was onto something. He loves a ritual cocktail while transitioning from work to home and makes a killer marg. If he craves my cocktail over his, I am doing something right!
What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done in business?
Deciding to start. Everything since then has been just showing up and tackling the business, bit by bit.
If your business were a song, what would be its anthem?
Day Drinking by Little Big Town — it brings that feeling of free days of sitting on a patio with some friends and some cocktails (full strength or NA). You’re having fun and enjoying the day.
Did you ever consider throwing in the towel? If so, why didn’t you?
So many times! I didn’t because I’ve not quit during more challenging moments before this. I could handle those problems then and I can handle these challenges now.
Who has mentored you and how have they shaped your view on business and being a female founder?
So many people. One pivotal mentoring moment was with Carrie Morey from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. Our conversation reshaped my idea of how to build my business slowly and with intention as opposed to what I’m used to from corporate America (churn and burn).
What’s one thing about your day-to-day as a founder that would surprise people?
I thrive in deep, solitary work. As a founder, you’re public-facing. And I do enjoy that aspect. But I thrive in the parts of the business where I’m working, solving the problems behind the scenes.
How do you celebrate wins, both big and small, in your business?
I shout it out in my group chat with friends, share it on social media, and share it at the dinner table with my family. I know those groups of people are my cheerleaders, so I want to share with them the small and big wins as they come.
What’s a skill you didn’t realize you’d need as a founder, but now consider indispensable?
Self-motivation. I had it before and probably took it for granted because it comes so naturally. But whew, you need a well-worked muscle of self-motivation as a founder.
How do you define and measure success?
When I am delivering on a promise to our customers while also delivering on my family’s needs without burning bridges or both ends of the candlestick…that’s the sweet spot of success for me.
What’s a business decision you made purely on gut instinct, and how did it turn out?
I don’t think I’ve made a decision purely on gut instinct. I thrive on data and measuring risks, so I can’t imagine diving into anything purely on instinct. Having said that, I know of some instances where I should have followed my gut and regretted not doing so.
What’s your guilty pleasure after a long day of hustle?
Well, I love a cocktail! If I feel like having a full-strength drink, I’ll shake up a can of Salty Seagull with 1.5 oz of blanco tequila and pour it into a salted-rim cocktail coupe. When I want to skip the alcohol, I do the same but omit the tequila. Then I grab whatever book I’m reading and head to my favorite reading chair at home with a blanket for 30 minutes.
How do you set boundaries between your personal life and business when everything feels intertwined?
I try to mix light personal life into my workday (scheduling a doctor’s appointment, taking a quick break to fold laundry if I am home, etc.), but once the workday is done, I shut it down for the day. I spend the last ten minutes of the workday updating my calendar, revising my top priorities for the next day, tidying my desk, and then closing my office door. If something comes up, I write it on a post-it and slide it under the door; it can wait until the morning. An analog (post-it) way to handle what comes up keeps me from opening the office door and getting sucked in (the same goes for my work email on my phone).
Thank you for joining us on this journey of amplifying women’s voices and highlighting their incredible achievements. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in the weeks to come—because when women rise, we all rise.
Stay connected with our incredible founder, Andrea Wightwick! Follow her on social media and visit her website for the latest updates, insights, and inspiration. Don’t miss a beat—keep up with all things Le Femme Foundry by following us on Instagram!
