VC-Funding vs. Indie Brands in the NA Space

Video chat with Chris Marshall, founder of Sans Bar and Sans Bar Academy

I’m Tawny, author of Dry Humping and co-author of The Sobriety Deck, co-host of the Recovery Rocks podcast, and co-founder of the vinegar-based botanical beverage, (parentheses)

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I recently wrote a piece that celebrates the pioneers of the non-alcoholic drink industry. My dear friend and colleague, Chris Marshall, is one of the pioneers I listed. He and I talk about NA regularly—especially the financials, the role privilege plays in business, and why it’s important to support indie brands. So we decided to have one of these convos on camera to show folks what it’s like to work in the non-alcoholic drink industry without having VC-funding.

Chris Marshall is the founder of Sans Bar (the first NA bar in North America) and Sans Bar Academy (a virtual, 10-week course where people can learn the essentials of launching an NA brand, opening an NA bottleshop or bar, marketing, and much more!). He’s been in the NA scene before the NA scene was even a thing. In fact, I consider Chris Marshall to be the face of the non-alcoholic drink movement. A crown he kindly says belongs to the NA community as a whole.

Queen Lohan sharing the crown

I’ve reported on the sober curious/mindful drinking movement since 2015. Until recently, my work focused on mental health, sobriety, liquid courage, and how all three intersect with our interpersonal relationships. I even wrote a book about it. Now I’m on the other side of NA as a co-founder and CMO of my very own drink (parentheses).

Grab some tea, get cozy, and watch Chris and I discuss the following topics:

• How VC-backed brands get different opportunities from indie brands

• How much money brands (and authors!) are actually spending on publicists

• The unique experience a customer has in NA bottleshops and NA bars vs buying NA drinks from a chain retailer

• And most importantly, his adorable dog, Dexter, weighs in on the NA space from a canine perspective.

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Upcoming Writing Classes

I have two book proposal classes coming up! Book Proposal 101 is a one-night event that covers the basic elements of a book proposal, while my Book Proposal Boot Camp is a six-week intensive for folks who are ready to actually write their proposal this summer.

Here are the deets:

Book Proposal 101 VIRTUAL May 22nd, 7-9EST

Want to write a nonfiction book but have no idea where to start? Take my new virtual class! This course will help you understand what a book proposal is and how to actually enjoy writing one.

Whether you're pitching a nonfiction book or a nonfiction card deck, Book Proposal 101: Stop Dreading It and Start Writing It will help you feel empowered by the proposal process rather than overwhelmed.

OK, you might still feel overwhelmed, but you can totally do this!

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Book Proposal Boot Camp VIRTUAL June 5th - July 10th, 7-9 EST

This 6-week intensive course picks up where the first one left off. In a virtual group setting, students meet with me for two hours a week to finally dust off that old Google Doc and get to work. Each week is structured so students can focus on one aspect of a book proposal at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed by the whole thing at once.

Each session ends with a 20-minute Q&A where students can ask about publishing, proposals, finding an agent, preorder campaigns, and book marketing.

Space is limited so I can intentionally guide you on your proposal journey.

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XO,

Tawny