Hiii Jenna! We’re so happy to sit down with you and chat. For anyone who may not know you yet, can you introduce yourself and share a little about what you do at Raising The Bar and what brought you here?

Hiii! I’m so happy to be here 💛

I’m Jenna, the Head of Operations + Experience at Raising The Bar. I live in that sweet spot between behind-the-scenes logistics and making sure everything feels amazing for our community.

Day to day, that looks like subscription ops, fulfillment and 3PL partnerships, building systems and SOPs, improving the customer experience, launching new boxes, and basically turning big ideas into smooth, repeatable processes. I love taking chaos and making it calm and clear.

Funny enough, I didn’t originally join full-time. Abbie actually found me through my consulting business, Biz-Blossom Consulting. I came on as a consultant to help tighten up operations and systems… and pretty quickly I realized I just loved the brand and loved working with Abbie. The mission, the creativity, the community,  it all clicked.

What started as a project naturally grew into “okay wait… can I just stay forever?” and it evolved into a full-time role. Which honestly feels like the best kind of career path: organic and very aligned.

Now I get to help build the engine behind something that helps people celebrate differently and connect in more intentional ways. It’s equal parts spreadsheets and sparkle, which is kind of my dream combo.

What does a perfect morning look like for you?

A perfect morning for me is slooow and sunny.

I love waking up naturally to the light coming through the windows, in a clean, quiet house, making a cup of coffee, and curling up on the couch for a little alone time before the day starts. No rushing, no notifications, just a few calm minutes to ease into the day.

Then ideally it turns into breakfast with my partner… something cozy and low-key, or even better, a yummy café by the beach. Good food, good coffee, ocean air… that’s kind of my dream start to any day.

Simple, calm, and connected. That’s my happy place.

How do you like to celebrate meaningful moments, big or small?

I’m definitely a “gather everyone at the house” kind of person. Hosting is my love language.

For me, celebrating, big or small, usually looks like having people over, cooking something yummy, and just making everyone feel comfortable and at home. I love when people kick their shoes off and it turns into one of those nights where no one’s watching the clock.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Honestly, I prefer low-key and cozy. A homemade meal, a BBQ, a brunch spread, or even just snacks and good conversation. I just really love creating a space where people feel cared for and prepped to exhale a little.

Those simple, connected moments always end up feeling the most meaningful to me.

We still can’t stop thinking about how amazing your last birthday party looked. Can you share more about what you love about planning moments like that and what inspires you?

AHHH my 40th birthday was honestly such a dream. I’m still not over it.

I’ve always loved planning moments like that. My best friend and I have been throwing slightly over-the-top, themed parties since high school, so it’s kind of in my DNA at this point. And in a past life, I was a corporate event coordinator, producing really curated conferences and building out fun, immersive booths for expos and cons, so I definitely have that “details matter” brain.

I just love the process of dreaming something up and then bringing it to life. Pinterest and social media have totally expanded what feels possible with décor and styling, so I get way too excited about mood boards, color palettes, and all the little touches that make something feel cohesive.

For my 40th, I wanted full Vegas pool party cabana vibes, sunny, playful, a little luxe, very “treat yourself.” Everything was intentional and very me. And honestly? My favorite part might have been the branding. Any chance I get to create a logo, define colors, set a vibe, and basically build a tiny brand around an event… I’m in. It’s my happy place.

There’s just something so special about creating an experience where people walk in and immediately feel the energy. That’s the magic for me.

What’s one detail you always think about when you’re hosting?

Honestly? My first thought is always: is there enough food? 😂

Like… truly. Nothing stresses me out more than the idea of someone being hungry in my house. I want people happy, fed, and feeling taken care of the second they walk in.

But beyond that, I’m always thinking about comfort. Is there enough seating? Good music? Drinks flowing? Does it feel cozy and easy, not stiff or formal? I want it to feel like people can relax, hang out, and stay longer than they planned.

If everyone’s relaxed, snacking, chatting, and doesn’t want to leave… that’s when I’m like, “okay, we did it right.”

What’s an ingredient you love experimenting with right now?

Cinnamon, for sure. I’ve been really into warmer, cozier flavors lately, and cinnamon just makes everything feel a little more comforting and elevated. It works in coffee drinks, anything citrusy, or even something bubbly. A tiny bit adds so much depth. It’s one of those ingredients that instantly makes a drink feel intentional instead of basic.

What’s a garnish you think instantly elevates a drink?

I’m such a garnish person 😂 Honestly, anything cute. Give me a fun little cocktail pick with something playful on top and a piece of fruit and suddenly it feels fancy. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just thoughtful. That tiny detail turns a drink into a whole moment.

What does Raising the Bar mean to you?

I’m someone who does drink on & off, but it’s never been all-or-nothing for me. I tend to go through phases, sometimes I won’t drink at all, and other times I’ll enjoy a cocktail or a seltzer (or a few) when it feels right. It’s always been more about how I feel than following a strict rule. 

That’s why Raising The Bar resonates with me so much. What I love most is the inclusivity. It gives everyone a seat at the table, whether you’re drinking, not drinking, or somewhere in between. You still get to have something fun and special in your glass and feel part of the moment.

I also bartend weddings (shout out Tipsy Taps), and I weirdly love when someone asks for a mocktail and there isn’t one on the menu. It feels like a fun little challenge to create something thoughtful and delicious on the fly, not just juice in a cup, but something that feels just as intentional as any cocktail. No one wants to feel like an afterthought.

Before joining the team, I watched friends and family struggle to find good alcohol-free options that actually tasted good. So it’s been really eye-opening to see the full world of what’s out there now. These drinks are complex, creative, and genuinely exciting. It’s not about missing out, it’s just another way to celebrate.

To me, Raising The Bar is about that freedom of choice and making sure everyone feels included, no matter what they’re sipping.

Do you have a favorite box since joining RTB, or a recipe that really stands out?

Jam Session was a full box of wins for me. Like… no notes.

I went in curious about the Fluère and ended up being so pleasantly surprised by how layered and botanical it tasted. And then the Encore recipe completely got me. The combo of the Heywell with the apricot jam just stepped everything up a notch, it felt cozy, a little fancy, and super balanced all at the same time.

It’s one of those drinks where you take a sip and immediately go, “okay wait… this is GOOD.” Not just “good for zero-proof,” but genuinely delicious.

Encore is definitely my personal fave recipe so far. It’s rich and berry-forward and feels perfect for slowing down at the end of the day. Total main-character nightcap energy.

When things feel like a lot, how do you keep yourself grounded?

I come back to really simple things.

A clean, cozy space makes a huge difference for me. If my home feels calm, I feel calm. Lighting a candle, tidying up, making it feel soft and comfortable, that’s my reset button.

Getting outside helps too. Sunshine, fresh air, sitting on the porch or taking an easy walk. 

And honestly, being around grounded, safe-feeling friends is everything. The kind of people you can just exist around without pressure. Good conversation, good laughs, nothing fancy. That always brings me back to center.

What’s something small that instantly makes your day better? 

I’m such a sucker for small, thoughtful gestures. A cute note, a silly surprise gift, a postcard, someone dropping off a treat “just because”, that stuff melts me every time. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy. Those little “I was thinking of you” moments instantly make my whole day better.

And truly… anything with a little sparkle or personality. Fun packaging, colorful details, something playful. I’m basically a magpie 😂 I just love things that feel joyful and intentional.

It’s the small stuff that makes life feel special.

What’s one thing you’re really hoping to enjoy, work toward, or make space for this year?

Honestly? Very unglamorous but very real, going to all. the. doctors. 😂

Turning 40 has made me way more aware of just staying on top of my health and not putting things off. Scheduling the annual checkups, the appointments, the boring-but-important stuff that helps me actually feel my best long term. It feels less like “fixing” anything and more like taking care of future me.

Beyond that, I really want to make more space for the things and people that bring me joy. Slowing down a little, being more intentional with my time, saying yes to what feels good and no to what doesn’t.

Less hustle, more alignment. More health, more connection, more little happy moments. That’s the goal this year.

We say this all the time, but we love your hair. You’ve had so many colors over the years. Is there a color you’re hoping to try this year, or one you’ve done before that you’d love to revisit?

Oh gosh… I have so many favorites. I genuinely feel like there isn’t a color or combo I haven’t tried at this point 😂 My hair has kind of been my creative playground forever (shout out Moon River Salon).

Some of my all-time faves were my pastel era. soft lavenders, peaches, cotton candy tones. I had platinum hair with rainbow roots and bangs at one point and it felt very main-character energy. That look is still a dream… but since I dyed my hair dark, those super light pastels are probably a “once upon a time” thing.

Right now though, I’m fully in my red/pink phase and loving it. I keep getting pulled toward vibrant reds, peaches, and hot pinks, anything bold and a little playful. I think hair should be fun, so I just follow whatever color feels exciting in the moment. Life’s too short for boring hair.

Can you share five fun facts about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

1. I’m an extroverted introvert.
   I love being out with friends or hosting, but I recharge hard alone. My ideal reset is binge-watching a show on the couch with zero plans and zero notifications. Pure hermit mode.

2. I’m weirdly loyal to white sneakers only.
   My life is glitter, color, and sparkle… but my shoes? Almost always white (and sometimes black). My partner is a total sneakerhead and constantly tries to get me into bold colors and I just… can’t 😂

3. I’ve had the most random first jobs.
   My very first job was at a Harley-Davidson dealership, and I also delivered pizza and catalogs in high school. Very small-town hustle energy.

4. I was raised by a professional-level troll.

   My mom used to prank me constantly, like convincing me the word “babe” was a terrible insult and that my stepdad got cavities from eating a whole tray of brownies. I believed both for years. It explains my sense of humor (and maybe my trust issues) 😂

5. I will always say yes to dancing and almost always say no to hiking.

   If there’s music and a dance floor, I’m in immediately. If it’s a 7am uphill hike… absolutely not. Know thyself

You had a heavy hand in coming up with the concept for February’s box, the Perfect Pair - tell us about that! What was it like and what inspired you?

I mean… I’m an espresso martini girlie through and through, so this box felt very on-brand for me from the start 😂

I was so excited to get to play around with the Spiritless Espresso Martini. And then Abbie had the genius idea to pair it with orange, very Terry’s Chocolate Orange vibes, and the second she said “blood orange + espresso,” I was like… wait, YES. I was fully pumped.

From there, it was honestly just really fun and hands-on. Lots of tasting, tweaking, and playing with different additions to find that “perfect pair” moment where everything just clicked. I love that part of any process… when it feels a little scrappy and creative and you’re just experimenting until something makes you go, “okay, that’s it.”

Then my operations brain kicked in and I got to dig through inventory and start mapping out what we already had that could round out the experience, the little details that make it feel cohesive, not just a drink but a full moment. That blend of creativity and problem-solving is kind of my happy place.

It was such a fun mix of flavor, nostalgia, and intention. I was so excited to help shape this box. 

And finally, what are you raising a glass to this month?

February is a big one for me and my partner, Zack. It really is our whole little month of love.

The beginning of the month is our 4-year domestic partnership anniversary, and the end of the month marks 8 years together, and with Valentine’s Day right in the middle, we basically just celebrate all month long. Any excuse for a cozy date night, we’re in.

We love a low-key night at home, cooking something yummy and mixing up a fun drink, but this year we’re also sneaking away for a little anniversary trip to the redwoods in Santa Cruz. There’s something about being in the trees, unplugging a bit, and just having that intentional time together that feels really grounding.

So this month, I’m raising a glass to love, fresh air, and getting to build a life (and lots of little adventures) with my favorite person.