She Owns Nashville’s ONLY 100% Women-Led Whiskey Company
Get to know Paige Parker, founder and CEO of Happenstance — Nashville's only whiskey company that is solely owned and operated by women. (Be sure to keep an eye out for Happenstance as you wrap up your Father's Day shopping!)
Paige Parker began her career at beer giant Anheuser-Busch, then transitioned into whiskey. Motivated by a lack of female role models in bourbon, she was driven to create a premium whiskey experience, leading her to launch Happenstance — Nashville’s only 100% women-owned whiskey company. Today, their team is made up entirely of women.
As the company’s founder and CEO, her journey is breaking industry barriers. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or simply a champion for women in business, Happenstance should be on your radar. We caught up with Paige to learn more about whiskey culture, what to expect from Happenstance, her affinity for cowboy boots, and more.
First things first, can you tell us a bit about your background?
I got my start in hospitality, working in the restaurant business and wine. I later jumped into the corporate world of the alcohol business, working in marketing with Anheuser-Busch, where I worked with brands including Stella, Budweiser, Busch, and NASCAR, amongst many others.
How did Happenstance Whiskey come about, and what led you to develop it in Nashville?
I came across a statistic that said 40% of all bourbon drinkers are women. As a bourbon drinker myself, I wanted to create a bourbon that was more approachable and had the flavor profile I wanted. I blended Happenstance to be a cabernet-style bourbon: full-bodied, smooth, and naturally sweet. I went to Vanderbilt for my MBA, and Tennessee is whiskey country, so Nashville naturally felt like the perfect place for Happenstance to call home.
You have the only 100% women-owned whiskey company in town. Talk about your inclusive whiskey culture and what women are looking for.
We are proud to be 100% women-owned, and we currently have an all-female team at Happenstance! We want to celebrate life’s moments that happen by chance, and our team strives to build the best whiskey-drinking experience possible — with a modern Nashville twist.
Whether we’re novices or whiskey enthusiasts, what should we try first, and what should we pair it with?
At Happenstance, we believe you should drink whiskey your way. Whether it’s neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Happenstance is versatile to drink however you like it. But because it’s naturally sweet, we always recommend you try it “neat” for the first time to get a sense of the natural flavor profile.
Fill in the blank. You’ll never see me without my:_____.
Iced latte.
When you aren’t working, what do you do for self-care?
I’m a skincare queen!
Tell us one thing that people might be surprised to learn about you.
I own more cowboy boots than sneakers.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.” As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly overcoming fear, and it’s important not to let that stop you from sharing your visions and dreams with the world. Don’t be afraid to take a chance!
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
Sunscreen, bourbon, and country music.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What’s on your nightstand? A journal for all my late-night business ideas!
Last memorable local meal? Jalapeño poppers at Bottle Cap in 12South
Do you have any irrational fears? Sharks
Who’s your mentor? My mom
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Nashville women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.