We had the good fortune of connecting with Devan Moll and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I decided to pursue a creative career due to not really enjoying the structure of a typical 9-5 job. When I was in college for graphic design, my first job was working at a coffee shop in Los Angeles. I really enjoyed learning different coffee drinks and the more comfortable I got making lattes and blended drinks, I started to get creative and experiment with different flavors. I also enjoyed the flexible schedule and being able to work nights or request time off as needed. Fast forward to 10 years later, I am now a full-time bartender in Orange County, California, still relishing in the flexibility of my schedule and the creative process of making delicious, craft cocktails. I didn’t end up pursuing a career in graphic design, but it has turned a hobby and I love to help friends with design ideas or to create personal projects. I now do all of my own branding and marketing for my small business, Diablo Dev’s Bloody Mary Mix. I love that I am able to combine two of my favorite passions into a business that gives me the opportunity to be creative in many different ways!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My company is called Diablo Dev’s and I sell my small-batch, spicy Bloody Mary Mix. This has been a long journey for me, starting about 8+ years ago. As a seasoned mixologist, I’ve had my fair share of Bloody Mary’s over the years. One thing I noticed was the lack of bold flavors and consistency. One establishment provided me the opportunity to create the mix for the busy brunch weekends. They had a classic (but delicious) Bloody Mary batch recipe but as time went on, my creative juices got flowing and I started to experiment with the recipe, adding and subtracting different herbs and spices. As a result, the customers tastebuds were tantalized! After receiving many comments such as, “You should sell it!”, “I’d buy this in the store!”, “Best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had!” I knew Diablo Dev’s was a hit!

Starting a small business is easier said than done. It takes a lot of groundwork that most people don’t see or even think about. It not only is about having a good product but also having a website, marketing materials ,advertising, branding, shipping, customer service, as well as registering an LLC, business bank accounts, etc. It can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared for it or have trouble managing your time.

When I first started my business, I would dedicate one of my off days to be a Diablo Dev’s day. Whether it being working on my website, sending an email blast, making and packaging up some products or designing packaging labels or stickers. This has helped me keep a work/life/business balance.

My proudest moment is when I entered the Scovie Awards and won 2nd place in the Hot & Spicy non-alcoholic category! I just entered another spicy contest, so fingers crossed for a 1st place victory!!

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places is Laguna Beach! There are a lot of great hiking areas to work up a sweat and see some great views of the mountains and ocean, such as Top of the World. Once you make your way back down, head to Urth Cafe for some fresh, healthy food and delicious lattes. Laguna Beach has great shopping, art galleries, gelato places and great people watching. Stick around the area for dinner with a view at Sky Loft or Mozambique rooftop dining and some live music as well.

Huntington Beach is another great place to spend the day…watching the surfers, bar hopping down Main Street, stopping for dinner and margaritas at Sand Bar.

Also Mutt’s Eastbluff in Newport Beach has a great cocktail menu. Brunch and Bloody Mary’s on the weekend are the best! But I may be a little biased 😉

 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Gabrielle Chen is one of my best friends and is also a creative soul! She is an artist, surfer girl, mother and friend. Check out her work, she is amazing!

@gabriellesartshow on instagram

 

Website: www.diablodevs.com

Instagram: @diablodevs

Facebook: @Diablodevs

Image Credits
All pictures have been taken by me!

Nominate Someone: undefined is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.