We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridget Connelly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget, how do you think about risk?
For me, a risk is something I usually have a gut feeling about. The risk usually scares me but in a way where I know its meant to push me to grow. If I overthink the risk or ask too many opinions I can easily talk myself out of it. I have learned to trust that feeling, knowing that beyond making the risky decision lies transformational experiences. Risk has played a part in my life in moving around the world, in putting myself out there to meet new people, and in starting a business. None of these things were easy, actually quite the opposite, but all of them resulted in life changing relationships, opportunities and in self discovery that could only be found by taking these risks.

What should our readers know about your business?
Luna Bay is run by a small team of women, which in the alcohol industry is a feat in and of itself. We have had to overcome the issues with the outdated system of alcohol distribution, the ins and outs of Venture, and fight for chain space in a sea of heavily backed brands. Luna Bay is different because our products are brewed with yerba mate tea, and use real clean ingredients. We want the world to learn about our brand and story because it is rare for women to run alcohol brands because it is such a tough industry, and funding is slim because of how risky the space is. We have all fought together over the last several years to build a brand we believe in, with a high quality product, and build strong relationships with our chains and distributors. We wouldn’t be here without them and one chain can change everything for us. Because we havent had capital it is much harder for us to build brand awareness, consumers change everything. For more consumers to buy our products and learn about us means so much – every case sale matters and we are so grateful!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh great questions. San Diego has so much to offer. My ideal weekend would include a boat ride in Point Loma followed by tacos and margaritas, and dancing in Little Italy. Saturday we would spend the day at a beach in North County, hours of beach hangs and surf. At night a concert at the Belly Up and maybe one final drink in Cardiff or Leucadia 🙂 `Sunday would be spent hiking or in the water, brunch at Nectarine Grove, Cappucino at Coffee Coffee, the farmers market and a sunset drink in La Jolla!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Julie Pappas! Julie has been one of my best friends throughout my life. She believed in me before we had product on the shelves. She made me believe that I could do it more then I did myself. We have been through the highest of highs and lowest of lows together over the last five years in starting Luna. She gets the vision of Luna and sees things I dont always see for myself. Beyond that she sees me, and that is the greatest gift.

Website: https://www.drinklunabay.com

Instagram: @drinklunabay

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetconnelly/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.