Frankie Snobel is a cocktail enthusiast with a decade of mixology experience working at cocktail bars and events across the globe.
Tipplesworth is a combination of her passion for mixing drinks and a love of mid-century vintage design. Frankie is at the helm, creating cocktail loveliness from its London-based HQ.
Tell us a bit about yourself, background and your current role
I’m Chief Tippler at Tipplesworth. We make fabulous and faff-free cocktail mixers, for delicious cocktails and effortless entertaining. Prior to launching Tipplesworth, I was working as a journalist in the engineering trade press, but before that I was a mixologist (hence my love of cocktails!). I joined a part-time business school to develop my business idea when I was a journo, and it’s been non-stop ever since! After I raised my first round of investment (just over a year into the business), I was able to quit journalism and focus solely on growing Tipplesworth. Now Tipplesworth is a team of three gumptious gals. Running a small business means I do a bit of everything, but my main focus is sales, product development, client management, and being a brand ambassador.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
Nope. I actually went to university for Biology & Psychology and have a science degree. But made cocktails part-time on weekends and that became my passion. If someone told me 10 years ago I would be where I am now, I would have laughed, as it would seem so unachievable. I’ve never really had a career plan prior to the business, as I was always searching for my path. I dabbled in journalism b/c that opportunity presented itself to me, and allowed me to travel, but starting Tipplesworth was the first time I truly felt like I was doing something that I was meant to be doing.
Have you faced any challenges along the way?
YES! We face challenges almost every day. Running a business isn’t for the faint hearted. But we’ve learned that we can only do our best and everything works out in the end. We’ve learned so much though, overcoming the challenges and becoming better people in a better business b/c of it.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
Our recent launch nationwide at Waitrose! And we also have some really important drinks industry corporate investors/partners and it was quite feat to achieve their support.
What one thing do you believe has been a major factor in you achieving success?
Sheer and utter determination. Believing in myself and my incredible team. And being agile – Tipplesworth has evolved a lot since day one, and that agility in direction and focus has allowed us to grow and flourish.
How do you feel about mentoring? Have you mentored anyone or are you someone’s mentee?
I’ve had a few up-and-coming drinks brands contact me for advice through common contacts. Whether it be for supplier or investor advice, or even just my thoughts on running a drinks brand. I was lucky enough to have some great advisors on my journey, so I’m happy to pay it forward when I can find the time! Although I’m still on my journey and still need mentorship too, especially as we begin to scale, so am lucky to know a couple of incredible experienced women in the drinks business.
If you could change one thing to accelerate the pace of change for Gender Parity, what would it be?
Encourage more women to get involved in the drinks industry, which is largely male dominated. There’s room for innovation, regardless of gender, and so much support available.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
Worry less and just go for it without hesitation.
What is your next challenge and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
We’re in the midst of working with a drinks brand developing a new range for bars/pubs/events. We’re hoping that this makes waves in the on-trade and that we continue
to grow our supermarket presence.
