Inspiring Conversations with Jessica Goodall at Besa mi vino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Goodall

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Jessie Goodall, and I currently serve as Head of Events at Besa mi vino, a Los Angeles-based startup that prides itself on being female-funded, female-fronted, and operated by UCLA Bruins. I have always immersed myself in the startup world, influenced by the entrepreneurial success of both my parents during my upbringing. The thrill of independently navigating challenges and delivering new creative solutions resonated with me, ultimately leading to my current role.

Over the last 8 months, events have been pivotal in building Besa’s brand voice, brand recognition and community across Los Angeles. These events have not only allowed us to connect directly with our consumer but also build valuable partnerships and collaborations within the industry. By consistently delivering memorable experiences, we have strengthened our presence in the market and laid a solid foundation for continued growth and success.

One of our standout events was The Women Empowerment Barbie Fashion Show, in collaboration with Warner Bros. This event featured 20 female leaders/entrepreneurs walking a pink carpet with over 2,000 attendees. Notable participants included the first bald Sports Illustrated model, Christie Valdiserri, Sterling Champion, the owner of She Marks, and the entire Besa mi vino team. It was a proud moment to see the event live-streamed by the LA Tribune.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With startups there are always challenges- there is no road map of how to navigate exactly how you should build a brand and the operations which come with it. Our motto for our small team is “fail fast and learn fast” which reflects the fast-paced and adaptive nature of our work environment.

Last year, when the whole wine category was down, we made a strategic pivot to throw Besa events with our proprietary drinking game, Spin the Besa. These events range from small 100 person intimate events like our Besa x Hwood Group Game Nights at Harriet’s Rooftop to full 800 people productions like our Blush x Besa Country Concert. We have had key event partners such as Warner music, Shake Shack, First Round’s On Me and Blush. Our drinking game has also been rebranded for a popular TV show- stay tuned for details!

In response to the wine industry being down we also pivoted our focus to a new product— the Besa Hard Seltzer. Unlike the majority of seltzers on the market, which are made with low-quality malt liquor, ours is crafted with organic wine. We have already secured retailer Total Wine in Southern California, and our next target is Bevmo.

We’ve been impressed with Besa mi vino, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Besa Mi Vino is an organic, ready-to-drink wine company on a mission to make canned wine accessible, convenient, and cool for younger generations without sacrificing quality. We are proud to be distributed in over 150 accounts across California, bringing our innovative products to a growing audience.

The wine industry faces a significant challenge: 70% of wine consumption is by people aged 60 and older, leaving young consumers largely untapped and improperly marketed to. The industry is in dire need of innovation, and we aim to fill that gap. Besa Mi Vino offers a solution by making wine approachable to Gen Z. We are an innovative wine company designed for the modern consumer, offering canned wine that is accessible, sustainable, convenient, and cool.

Our brand voice has been pivotal in connecting with our Gen Z audience. As our Head of Social Media, Ella Harrington, puts it, “Besa has a fun, cheeky, Gen-Z style brand voice that breathes life into its brand image, setting it apart from all other canned wine brands.”

Leading a team of Gen Z individuals has provided us with a unique and invaluable perspective, allowing us to stay ahead of trends, connect authentically with our audience, and create experiences that resonate with Gen Z values.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Work for a start-up whether it is part time or full time.

Working for a startup was the best decision I ever made after graduating. The dynamic, fast-paced environment demands a diverse skill set, which has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve taken on multiple roles, allowing me to learn and grow in ways I never imagined. While startups are unpredictable and nerve-racking, the skills you develop in such a short period of time are invaluable. The ability to adapt quickly, think on your feet, and tackle various tasks has equipped me with a unique and versatile skill set.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drinkbesa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkbesa/