Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Silverman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m the founder of Zero Proof Nation, a global non-alcoholic resource hub trusted by thousands of people all around the world.
But it’s my “why” that led me to launch the website in 2019. You see, I’ve been booze-free for the past 18 years, having gotten sober at the fresh age of 24. It wasn’t a choice stemming from sober curiosity or mindful drinking; my life was falling apart before my eyes and I knew I needed professional help. I started my sobriety journey in July of 2007, and well, hospitality wasn’t inclusive then. It’s only in the past six or so years have I noticed a real shift in the way we cater to customers who choose not to imbibe alcohol—whether for a night, a month, a pregnancy, or the rest of their lives.
I created this space out of a desire to build authentic community around the zero proof lifestyle, and to tell the stories behind the beverages. My goal is to provide a platform elevating non-alcoholic options to each and every single human who wants something different, something new, something rebellious, something promising present nights and refreshed mornings.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My sobriety from alcohol has remained constant since 2007, but recovery itself is so up and down with lots of twists and turns — just like life. When I launched Zero Proof Nation, I had no intentions of turning it into a business; it was a passion project for me and I wanted to connect with sober / sober curious people around the world who cared about this emerging beverage category. Over the years, I’ve become a subject matter expert / thought leader in this industry, somewhat by accident. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and I reported on what was going on in real time.
But as a business? I’m still figuring that out. I’ve dipped my toes into consulting, whether with entrepreneurs wanting to step into the industry or with emerging beverage brands. I’ve slowly monetized my Substack newsletter. I created a global map of non-alc establishments viewed more than 320K times. But Zero Proof Nation as a business is still very much a work in progress. Trying to find the right way to move forward and become financially successful while still providing access to all the content I so desperately want to remain free for the average visitor is currently my biggest big hurdle.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been a web designer, a podcast editor, and a freelance writer. My biggest pride and joy is when I get to put those skills together for my own projects, such as I did in the mid 2010s with my first website (now offline The Sobriety Collective), and then Zero Proof Nation and Booze Free in DC. I think what sets me apart from others in my industry is the fact that I’ve been watching it all unfold since the beginning, I’ve been alcohol-free even longer, and I have a knack for forming relationships with people around the globe. I hustle.
How do you think about happiness?
Sunshine. Dark chocolate. Music. Dogs. Family. Exercise. Non-alc beverages. Cuisines from all over the world. Coffee. A good book. I love the simple pleasures in life and am grateful for who and what I have in my life. That’s not to say I don’t want more experiences or, yes, material things. But I’m grateful. They say gratitude is not having what you want, but wanting what you have.
Pricing:
- People can subscribe to my Substack for $6/month or $65 a year
- I’m accepting Substack sponsors; $2500 per quarter, with an average of 4 newsletters a month.
- I consult at a rate of $200 / hour
- Currently available to work within hospitality on a consultative basis
- I’d love to go on press trips where I can write about non-alc around the world
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zeroproofnation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroproofnation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroproofnation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasilverman
