Conscious Entrepreneurship: May I introduce Jess Feller
Jess Feller is a cocktail enthusiast who turned her passion for at-home mixology into a full-time business known as Aged & Infused. The company has quickly grown, supplying at-home cocktail infusion kits to customers across the country who are looking to elevate the home-bar experience. With a focus on giving back and supporting the local Chicago business community, Aged & Infused has stayed true to its mission of supporting the local economy and building stronger communities.
CONSCIOUS ENTREPRENEURSHIP — What meaning do you give this term?
Entrepreneurship opens the doors to creating communities, conversations and experiences that go well beyond a physical product. As a woman business owner, I’m proud that I’ve built a growing organization that’s committed to others. Our products promote togetherness, and it’s something we think is vital to the community, too. That’s why each month we make sure to donate a portion of our proceeds to Chicago organizations that make our community better.
CAREER — What led you to your particular career path?
Besides my love for cocktails?! I worked in corporate PR for five years, but it was never a perfect fit. I spent my time marketing other people’s products but found myself much more excited about creating something of my own. I really enjoy getting to know my customers, experimenting and creating. That’s what eventually led me to the world of entrepreneurship, which I love.
MENTORS — We all need a little help along the journey. Who has been an invaluable mentor for you? Can you share a story about how they made an impact?
My older brother, Jon Crawford, has been a consistent mentor throughout my life. He’s level-headed, thoughtful and always asks the tough questions. When I was deciding whether or not to leave my full-time job and pursue Aged & Infused, he was the first person I called to talk it through. He urged me to trust my gut and take the (calculated) risk. Two years later and I’m so glad he did!
TO THRIVE — When you see yourself thriving: Do you see yourself opening up opportunities for others along the way to participate in your success, and how?
Absolutely. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from the small business community in Chicago is that there’s room for all of us to succeed. I’ve gotten where I am thanks to an uplifting support system and selfless mentors, and I want to do the same for others. Whether it’s offering advice, making connections or collaborating, I’m committed to lifting others up and paying it forward.
CAUSE — What are the causes close to your heart, and you are supporting right now? Can you share a story how you got involved? How did it make you feel?
Throughout COVID, my partner and I have been missing our favorite neighborhood bars more than ever. These spots have been the backdrop and inspiration for so many aspects of our business. Since March, we’ve consistently donated portions of our sales to a handful of our favorite Chicago-local bars and their staff. It’s a small token of our appreciation for these amazing places and the people who keep them running.
THE FUTURE — How do you see the face of entrepreneurship in 5 years? How do companies /brands need to adapt to secure their place in the future?
I see the path of entrepreneurship becoming much more popular in years to come, and with that comes a more competitive landscape. I think success will come down to connection. It’s not enough to have an idea, you need to know how to create a community and a movement behind it. People connect with brands that have real stories and real people behind them.
ADVICE — What kind of advice would you like to give to an aspiring entrepreneur who feels limited due to their background or lack of resources?
Don’t let your hesitations and uncertainty stop you from getting started! I knew nothing about running a business or creating a new product when I started Aged & Infused. I found something I was passionate about, started doing research and have been learning ever since. Trust me, the entrepreneurial world is all about “fake it ’til you make it!”
DRIVE — Do you sometimes feel bad for “wanting more out of life”, and if so, why? What is your personal motivation that leads you through the hardships of entrepreneurship?
No way! I think you have to think that way to make it in entrepreneurship. Wanting more out of life is why I left my old job and started out on my own. Don’t get me wrong, running Aged & Infused is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. There have been lots of times I thought about giving up. But every day, I remind myself of the why. I’m lucky enough to be part of a supportive, uplifting community of makers that have my back. I have the freedom to create, lead and learn how I’d like. And most importantly, I get to spend every day connecting with some of the most amazing customers, collaborators and teammates about something I’m passionate about. That’s what makes it worth it for me.
CHALLENGES — Entrepreneurship is very challenging. We each have our own coping mechanism. Mine is humor. What is yours? Can you share a story?
Whiskey! Whenever my partner, John, and I are feeling overwhelmed or defeated, we make a point to step away from our computers, pour ourselves a glass of Woodford and take a break. It’s so easy to get lost in the madness of a moment, but forcing ourselves to disconnect and relax always tends to make the situation better.
INSPIRATION — Is there an entrepreneurial book or podcast that inspires you that you would like to share with our readers?
I listen to NPR’s “How I Built This” religiously. Hearing about big shot companies starting out is incredibly inspiring to me. We all have to start somewhere, and it isn’t always pretty. I would highly recommend that anyone starting a business or dreaming of it check out this series!
YOU — Is there anything you would like to share that we have not asked you here?
I think the two most important characteristics of a good entrepreneur are empathy and kindness. You need people in your court to succeed, and being kind is key to making this happen.
THANK YOU!
Follow Aged & Infused on Instagram.
Demee Koch about the MEDIUM interview series on CONSCIOUS ENTREPRENEURSHIP:
Conscious entrepreneurship for me is about building a sustainable business that values and respects the resources used and makes an effort of giving back to society.
I believe we need entrepreneurs to really get involved in the causes close to their heart.
This is why I reach out to entrepreneurs that aim for more than generating profit. With this interview, I aim to share entrepreneurial purpose-led passion to inspire others.
Looking forward to learn from you. Reach out to me via LinkedIn.
Demee ❤︎
