College Friends Turn Fun Side Hustle into ‘Shark Tank’ Success

College best friends turned small business owners, Jess Blakely and Willow Sprague, are the dynamic duo behind BarBees, a women-owned business offering connective and celebratory cocktail classes for any occasion. Founded in 2019, the business has grown from a side hustle to a thriving venture with a team of over 35 class instructors across 11 regions nationwide.

When they started BarBees, Willow had just graduated from Belmont University, while Jess had two semesters left. Willow took on an internship with an executive coaching firm, while Jess juggled multiple jobs and even attended law school for three semesters. Their goal was always to build BarBees into something bigger than a side hustle, focusing on creating connection and community through their cocktail classes.

The duo found inspiration for BarBees during bartending school, where the idea for the business was born. Initially launching as an event bartending service in Nashville, they pivoted to offering virtual cocktail classes during the pandemic, which eventually evolved into in-person classes as the world reopened. This shift allowed them to reach a wider audience and solidify their brand as a leader in the industry.

Despite facing challenges, such as the pandemic disrupting their events calendar, Jess and Willow persevered and saw consistent monthly revenue by the end of 2021. Now, with their appearance on Shark Tank propelling them to new heights, BarBees continues to grow, with a 220% increase in engagement since the show aired.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Jess and Willow’s advice is simple: start saying yes to new opportunities and be willing to adapt and evolve your business based on feedback and demand. By staying open-minded and flexible, you can turn your side hustle into a successful venture that resonates with your audience.