We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jess, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks are a necessity in life. You will always be stuck in neutral if you are not willing to take chances because everything we do has an inherent risk attached to it and we don’t even realize or think about it. This is why I find the challenges associated with risks keep me motivated and engaged. Risks have played a large part in my life and career over the years. My husband and I wouldn’t have moved 3,000 miles away if I didn’t convince him it was worth the risk for his new job and that was 10 plus years ago. I could never have started my business if I didn’t take the plunge and take the risk of it failing. It’s a necessary evil taking risks because yes sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t but how will you know if you don’t try?
What should our readers know about your business?
Drunken Whoopies is unique in that it provides a modernized take on childhood classics many of us grew up eating, especially those from the New England region, and I am excited I can share those with everyone!
Before I created Drunken Whoopies I was making whoopie pies as gifts and for my husband’s colleagues and constantly was told I should start selling them. It wasn’t until 2019 when I came up with the concept to sell my childhood favorites but a modernized adult version of them. By mid 2020 I was finally able to get time to create the business menu and get it off the ground. Was it easy? In a way, yes since it was and still is just me baking and filling orders as I receive them but there are always challenges with any business and finding a way to make time to run a business with 3 young kids is never easy and takes coordination and patience from me, the kids, and my husband.
Lessons I learned, ah there are so many! Patience and perfection do not always go together. Not always are recipes going to be perfect the first try and may take 2 or 10 times before you find the right balance. Hitting a bump in the road won’t derail you and to overcome them you just have to try harder or think outside the box next time.
People should know I am a mom of three unruly, under 3 year old kids, being sarcastic and out of the box is my style. I don’t take no lightly and will push the boundaries until they break. As for Drunken Whoopies as a brand? I think the name says it all. There is a fun playful side that invokes the childhood nostalgia of making traditional style Maine whoopie pies yet brings that modernity by adding alcohol to every flavor offered. I mean who doesn’t like a little booze with their dessert?
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
La Jolla for kayaking, snorkeling, or paddle boarding. Potato Chip Rock or Torrey Pines State Reserve and Beach or any La Jolla Beaches.
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Legoland, Balboa Park and Sea Life Aquarium especially fun for the kids.
Little Italy and Gaslamp for the nightlife. Bali Hai Restaurant, Las Cuatro Milpas, South Beach Bar & Grille in OB, Fish Shop in Pacific Beach or Encinitas, Epic Wings and Stone Brewing Escondido and there Liberty Station location. Brewery tours at one of the many craft breweries and a trip to Temecula for wine tasting
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Dan as he has always been there to support and encourage me.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrunkenWhoopies
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/drunkenwhoopies/