WTF is Gay Water?

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the founder & CEO of Gay Water, Spencer Hoddeson.

Now, if you don’t know what gay water is, it’s what the gays have been calling a vodka soda for generations. Why? Because us vain queens like to get drunk but want ZERO of the calories of doing it. SO, our trusted go to has always been the good’ol gay water. Today’s guest had the idea to literally can it, and sell it to the gays. Personally, I think it’s genius marketing - give the gays what they want!

Spencer is responsible for managing the company's overall operations including product development, production, distribution, marketing, sales, PR, and more. That’s what I call a busy gay.

Founded in January 2022, Gay Water is a mission-driven business with a goal to create representation for the LGBTQ+ community on shelves.

Watch on YouTube

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• GayWater.com
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

• [03:59] Gay Water's aha moment was sparked during a conversation with a friend about the term "gay water," realizing its broader recognition and potential.
• [07:34] Gay Water faced challenges in the beverage manufacturing process, highlighting the complexity and lack of control in the industry.
• [10:26] Entrepreneurship's emotional toll: Spencer discusses the unexpected challenges of anxiety, imposter syndrome, and sleepless nights.
• [14:58] Spencer sees trolling as an opportunity, leveraging engagement and discourse to amplify the brand's reach.
• [18:33] Notable successes include being the largest first launch for a third-party vendor, over 800 million press impressions, and acceptance into Total Wine and Walmart's open call program.
• [26:38] Embrace the learning experience: Mistakes are part of the journey, and there's no perfect path to success. Focus on continuous improvement and don't dwell on past errors.
• [27:05] Keep moving forward: As a solo entrepreneur, time and resources are limited. Course-correct, learn from trial and error, and avoid getting stuck by constantly looking back.
• [28:22] Avoid perfection paralysis: Striving for perfection can delay progress. Don't scrutinize every detail; instead, focus on moving your business forward.
• [29:55] Constant growth mindset: Rather than fixating on specific goals, concentrate on the journey and the continuous process of learning and evolving. Goals are byproducts of the work and journey.
• [31:19] Enjoy the journey: Take time to reflect, express gratitude, and savor the progress. Balancing work with moments of appreciation contributes to a more fulfilling entrepreneurial experience.