Andrea Grand (Co-founder, Barbet): Leading a Purpose-Driven Beverage Brand With Impact

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What if a beverage could change how we gather, how we connect, and how we feel seen?

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Andrea Grand, co-founder of Barbet, the stylish and intentional Canadian non-alcoholic beverage brand that's become a mainstay on menus and in fridges across the country. But beyond the buzz and the branding is a story rooted in personal experience, cultural disruption, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Andrea shares how her sister’s health journey was the catalyst behind Barbet’s creation, and how they set out to challenge the norms of an alcohol-centric beverage industry. From battling the assumption that non-alcoholic drinks are “less than” to creating a beverage that fits into social moments without compromising experience, Andrea built Barbet to be, yes, a great drink. But also, a brand with a point of view. A design-forward invitation to inclusivity and a challenger to industry conventions.

In this episode, Andrea reflects on:

• The emotional rollercoaster of building a brand from scratch—without a roadmap
• Why perfection is a myth, and launching before you're ready might be the best move you can make
• The importance of support systems (financial and emotional) in surviving entrepreneurship
• How small businesses are not just economic contributors, but cultural catalysts
• What modern leadership looks like when you’re building in public, balancing vulnerability with vision
• Why visibility and community are essential to long-term impact, especially for women-led brands

Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores that Barbet isn’t a sobriety brand, but rather an inclusive lifestyle brand for anyone looking to drink differently, without compromising taste, aesthetic, or ritual.