Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Lovejoy.
Charles, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
THE LOVEJOY STORY
“When people ask what my story is, all I can stay is that it started at home, with home, and for home.” – Charles Lovejoy
My mother, Margaret Lovejoy, a single mother of four, worried about keeping a roof over our heads, but that did not stop her from instilling the gift of heartfelt giving by way of her dedication to being in service to her community. She spent 20 years as founder and Executive Director of a day center for homeless families (the only one in Ramsey County). She had the expectation that all of her children would contribute to her organization/her passion for those less fortunate in some capacity, and we did. I knew by her example that anything I did in the for-profit world would require matched effort in the nonprofit arena. It all began at home. Simply put, I was raised to be philanthropic.
My home-base for the inception of Lovejoy’s Bloody Mary Mix was the restaurant community, in particular, The Happy Gnome, a favored local bar and eatery. They were beyond supportive, allowing me the creative freedom, time, and space to craft the perfect blends for multiple products. They used my basic Bloody Mary recipe as house mix and eight others of my specialty fusions to fuel their weekend ‘Build-Your-Own’ Bloody Mary bar. This segued into inspiring entrepreneurism! With home being a bar, at which I sold my first bottle, my company took off. I was encouraged by members of the community, by my wife, and family, but equally supportive was (and is) the restaurant community. They have continued to propel my success. It is because of them, that I can do for home.
When I think about doing for home. I believe benevolence is the why of our existence. Lovejoy’s Bloody Mary Mix, SBC is a socially conscious, family-owned and operated enterprise that donates a portion of sales to organizations dedicated to supporting at-risk populations experiencing homelessness. Literally, doing this work for home, our value system puts financial return secondary to a return on our social investment, which impacts the greater good. We chose to focus on homelessness because we are avid believers that a human basic right should be having a roof over one’s head.
Lovejoy’s Bloody Mary Mix has a vision to inspire all entrepreneurs to institute responsible giving into the work that they do. The mission is to provide superior, quality products while inspiring, by way of our actions, solutions to curtailing homelessness. It is my personal goal to become local famous, as Minnesota is my ultimate HOME and the place where I want to make the biggest impact. As my sister always says, “We are all tethered together by the fate of the other.” I will do my part to see that we are all well-fated.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to being a small business owner has definitely not been a smooth one. Licensing and certifications alone took the better part of a year. We finally got our footing and were poised to have a breakout year then Covid shut down our revenue streams. So we tried new ways to get our products out (e-commerce, popup markets, gift boxes) some more successful than others but all come with a bit of expense and a steep learning curves. We at Lovejoy’s embrace the challenges and see them as learning opportunities, ways to make new connections and inroads into previously untapped fields. Covid has tested all of us. I like to think Lovejoysbrand has emerged from the shutdowns a stronger more agile more prepared company.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a bartender/bar manager for the last 25 years. Creating new flavor combinations is how I get my creativity out. I love mixing unique and seemingly opposing flavors. I love surprising people with these creations. Lovejoy’s was curated in an creatives dream environment. I had complete freedom to tweak and add/change the cocktail menu and I did! I was able to test my concoctions on my bar patrons without them knowing I was making/creating them. I got rare and candid feedback, it was invaluable experience.
Lovejoysbrand products are full flavored and bold. Not overly spicy hot but full of flavor and nuance. We strive for uniqueness and one of a kind experience.
Lovejoy’s Bloody Mary Mix.
A zesty not too hot not mild well balanced drink mix. Lovejoy’s original Bloody Mary Mix takes notes from the classic cocktail and remakes them in a fresh and modern way. Thoughtfully handcrafted in small batches with vegan, gluten free and lower sodium products. Well balanced, made with unique ingredients like Tomatillos, Strawberries, Lemongrass, and fresh Chives. Fresh, zesty, earthy, and robust. Not too thick either so you can have more than one in a sitting.
Burn YO Face hot sauce
Tomato juice and Vegetable broth set the stage for the stars of the show. Thai chilies, jalapenos, habaneros, and Carolina reaper peppers along with fresh herbs and citrusy spices. This sauce is hot enough for the most discerning heat head yet balanced and versatile enough for everyday use.
Thai Basil
Inspired by our love of the Vietnamese staple Pho soup. This Mary is quite a different take on a the classic Bloody! Fresh Thai Basil, lemongrass, and Shiitake mushrooms are just some of the highlights in this delicious new flavor. Garlic chili sauce helps to give this mix a good, zesty, tangy heat.
Rim Seasoning
Harissa is the base for our uniquely flavored rim seasoning. Coriander, red pepper flakes, dried chives and dried dill, make this a zippy and versatile mix of spices. We add a bit of cayenne just so you know it’s there. Works beautifully as a rim salt but is just as great in sauces marinades and rubs.
What are your plans for the future?
Growth! Is our plan for the future. Not only professional growth but personal as well. We are looking forward to learning new things and putting our dreams into action!
Pricing:
- Lovejoy’s Original Bloody Mary Mix – 14.00/25oz
- Lovejoy’s Thai Basil Mix – 14.00/25oz
- Lovejoy’s Burn Yo Face Hot sauce – 8.00/5oz
- Lovejoy’s uniquely flavored rim seasoning 8.00/2.5oz
Contact Info:
- Email: charlesfish@lovejoysbloodymarymix.com
- Website: www.lovejoysbrand.com
- Instagram: @lovejoysbrand
- Facebook: Lovejoy’s Bloody Mary MIx
- Twitter: @lovejoysbrand
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/aNSbN3e7HT0
