What inspired you to start your business or create your product(s)?
Lovejoy’s was born out of both tradition and reinvention. I’ve always loved the ritual of a good Bloody Mary—how it can be bold, communal, and celebratory all at once—but I kept running into mixes that were either heavy, loaded with sodium, or just didn’t bring much to the table beyond tomato juice. I wanted something that honored the classic while feeling fresh, light, and versatile.
That’s where Lovejoy’s began. We leaned into unexpected ingredients like tomatillos, strawberries, and lemongrass to create a mix that’s robust yet balanced enough to enjoy more than one. From there, we expanded into hot sauces, rim seasonings, and new cocktail bases, always asking: how do we make this zesty, flavorful, and adaptable for both the home bartender and the kitchen cook?
At its core, the inspiration has always been community—bringing people together over a drink, a meal, or a moment. Every bottle we make carries that spirit of connection and joy.
What’s the meaning behind your brand name?
The name Lovejoy’s is both personal and intentional. It comes from my own last name, but it also captures the spirit behind what we do. Every product we make is about creating moments of connection—drinks and flavors that bring people together, spark conversation, and celebrate community.
“Love” reflects the care and craft that goes into every bottle, from sourcing ingredients to building recipes that are layered and unique. “Joy” is the feeling we want people to experience when they share a cocktail, cook a meal, or rim a glass with one of our blends. Together, Lovejoy’s is more than just a name—it’s a reminder that good food and drink should always carry a little love and a lot of joy.
What’s one product you’re most proud of and why?
The product I’m most proud of is Lovejoy’s Original Bloody Mary Mix because it really captures who we are as a brand. When I set out to create it, I didn’t just want another heavy, salty tomato mix—I wanted something that felt vibrant, layered, and unexpected. That’s why we use ingredients like tomatillos, strawberries, and lemongrass alongside fresh spices. The result is a mix that’s bold and zesty, but light enough that you can enjoy more than one without feeling weighed down.
It represents our brand because it shows how we take a classic and give it new life—creative, versatile, and made with care. People use it to make a standout Bloody Mary, but they also discover it’s amazing in marinades, cooking, or even as a base for other cocktails. It’s not just a mix—it’s a reflection of our philosophy: fresh, flavorful, and built for community.
What does a ‘typical day’ look like for you as a maker?
With my wife working during the day, my typical morning starts with entertaining our 9- and 10-year-old daughters—a mix of chaos, fun, and somehow getting things done. If you ask them, it’s mostly work!
From there, the day shifts into whatever the season demands: packing online orders, meeting with vendors, hopping on sales calls, checking in with our co-packer, managing budgets—the list goes on. There’s always a lot of moving parts, and often the rhythm of the day is determined by the fires I need to put out and what my daughters want to do. It’s a juggling act, but it’s the kind of controlled chaos that makes building Lovejoy’s so real, hands-on, and rewarding.
What’s one challenge you’ve overcome as a small business owner?
One challenge has been managing the financial side of the business—keeping track of costs, cash flow, and growth while juggling everything else. I’ve learned that staying on top of the numbers isn’t just about spreadsheets—it’s about making smarter decisions, planning ahead, and giving the business room to thrive.
What do you love most about being part of the Minnesota maker community?
What I love most about the Minnesota maker community is the sense of collaboration and support. Most everyone is rooting for each other, sharing advice, and celebrating wins together. I especially value the chance to mentor and help others grow their businesses—seeing someone else succeed because you shared a tip, a connection, or a little guidance is incredibly rewarding.
Where can people find your products?
You can find Lovejoy’s products online or at local retailers—check out our store locator on lovejoys.com to see where they’re sold.
We are also available on Amazon, Cause-cart.com, urfriendcharles.com
What’s one tool or item in your studio you can’t live without?
One thing I can’t live without in my studio is my earbuds. I’ve gotta have music or the news playing while I work—it keeps me focused, energized, and makes even the busiest days feel a little smoother.
Anything exciting coming up for your brand?
Our new Mimosa Mixers are all about making brunch—and any celebration—easy, fresh, and flavorful. They come in two unique blends: one with bright citrus notes for a classic twist, and another with a hint of berries and herbs for something unexpected. Look out for more exciting collabs with local retailers and restaurants!
How can people support you beyond buying your products?
Support Lovejoy’s beyond just buying our products by following and engaging with us on social media—liking, commenting, sharing, or even tagging us in your creations goes a long way. Leaving reviews online is another huge help; it’s how small businesses like ours get noticed, build trust, and grow. Every share, comment, and review makes a real difference and helps us keep doing what we love.
