Lady Bee Mixology
Principal: Nadean Huxtable
Email Address: drinks@ladybee.biz
About us…
In 2017 I used to operate a bar. I always had a love for the art of cocktails and even after the bar closed I would still mix cocktails for friends and other individuals. In my spare time, I researched different kinds of alcohol, herbs and fruits. I also pursued a certification in mixology. COVID stymied my plans to open a boutique cocktail bar so I had to try a different route. Thankfully, it didn’t take long. After a small joking conversation about ‘adult’ bag juice the idea to package the cocktails in pouches came into play.
The range of new products
Lady Bee offers a variety of cocktail pouches, ciders and our latest addition: popsicles! The menu is seasonal so things stay fresh and we’re about to lean into our fall/winter flavours.
Where are the ingredients sourced?
Our ingredients are locally sourced from farmers. I even grow some at home.
Where are the products currently sold? In addition to direct online orders, Lady Bee is currently stocked at Butcher Block, The Commissary, Cannonball, Jamaica Food & Drink Kitchen. We are currently working to expand into outlets islandwide and are exploring the export market.
The story behind the packaging for the products
It started as a little inside joke about why there is no ‘adult’ bag juice. This inspired the adult size drinking pouch. We wanted something that someone could take to a cooler fete or to the beach. Visually, I wanted a label design that gives the customer a sense of the flavour from the moment they see it. It had to be bright and colourful to attract them, like bees to flowers.
I made these products because… Lady Bee exists because I believe our palate deserves more than just a cue of rum or a bottle of beer. As Jamaicans we deserve ‘nice tings’ to truly enjoy the spectrum of flavours that a good cocktail can bring.
My first breakthrough came when… Things really started moving with my very first pop-up at The Commissary in Devon House. Simo was so warm and welcoming, which really pushed me into a direction of doors opening and other wonderful connections that have expanded Lady Bee in ways that I could scarcely imagine at the time.
The products became available to the public in… September 2020.
Our core customers are… I really try to be inclusive in my menu. From those who already enjoy cocktails to those who are a little timid to try something that’s different from the usual. We are even looking to introduce more mocktail offerings because everyone should be able to enjoy having a drink.
The response to the products has been… almost overwhelming. The positive feedback has pushed me to continue to develop my menu with more unique offerings.
My products are successful because… Patience. I have made it a point to ensure that, like my ingredients, the business grows organically. That the quality is always there and that our customers will always keep coming back.
I plan to grow the business and… will continue to develop new and different products available for people to try. The plan is to have Lady Bee available everywhere and maybe a physical location for people to have a full Lady Bee experience.
My major challenge is… trying not to price myself out of the market. But at times it’s a struggle to source fruits and herbs. And when I’m able to locate them, the price on them is a bit high and they are not as fresh as I would like.
This issue remains and managing the raw material inventory is… A challenge at times, I do my sourcing myself so I do know sometimes I’m being overcharged for certain fruits.
If I knew then what I know now… Confidence, when I was starting out I was a bit timid. But as time progressed I became more confident with pushing my products out there.
Jamaicans should support my products because… I’m a proud Jamaican who wants to share a wonderful gourmet experience with others that we all deserve here at home. We should be able to enjoy a great unique cocktail anytime, anywhere.
