Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Irizarry
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sure! My story isn’t a straight line, it’s more like a series of pivots that all somehow led me to where I am today. I started my career in the world of design and business development, working closely with architects, interior designers, and major brands. That eventually led me into the tech and startup space, where I dove headfirst into operations, partnerships, and marketing. I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible names, but I always had this curiosity tugging at me to build something of my own.
In 2024, after years of creating and scaling things for other people, I decided to bet on myself. Mezcal had become this beautiful thread in my life, something I’d enjoy socially, but also something I was deeply curious about. I didn’t just love the spirit, I loved the stories behind it: the land, the producers, the tradition, the craftsmanship. I noticed there wasn’t really a space in Miami to explore that in a meaningful way, and so the Mezcal Social Club was born—kind of by accident, kind of on purpose.
What started as a “maybe one day” idea turned into a sold-out event with just a week of planning. That first event showed me the power of community and the hunger people have for deeper, more intentional experiences. Since then, we’ve grown into a platform for education, connection, and celebration—partnering with amazing brands, exploring new cities, and creating space for people to learn, taste, and fall in love with mezcal.
Every step of this journey has been about taking risks, asking questions, and leaning into the unknown. I’m still very much building and learning as I go, but it’s the most aligned I’ve ever felt with my work—and that’s worth everything.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but not because of external resistance. Most of the struggle came from within.
To be honest, I didn’t even start the Mezcal Social Club thinking it needed to be a business. I already had a full-time role and a demanding career in operations—I wasn’t looking to create a new hustle. What held me back at first was the fear of splitting my energy, of pouring myself into something that might not “make sense” on paper.
There was also doubt. This isn’t tech. It’s not a high-growth space with VC funding or clean metrics. It’s cultural. It’s emotional. It’s rooted in something much older and slower. I kept asking myself, Will people get it? Will my family understand? Can I justify giving so much of myself to something that’s not my main job?
But the passion kept pulling me in. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something here—something worth sharing. I realized I didn’t need to justify it. It didn’t have to be scalable or profitable to be valuable. It just had to be real. And once I let go of needing it to fit into a traditional definition of “success,” everything started flowing.
That mindset shift—allowing myself to create something purely because I believe in it—has been both the biggest challenge and the most freeing lesson.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mezcal Social Club is more than just a series of tastings—it’s a curated experience, a community, and a love letter to the world of mezcal and agave spirits.
We specialize in intentional events that bring people together to explore mezcal, sotol, bacanora, and other agave-based spirits through storytelling, sensory education, and connection. Every experience is thoughtfully designed to feel intimate, welcoming, and memorable—whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned connoisseur.
What sets us apart is the heart behind it. We’re not here to sell a product or chase trends. We’re here to celebrate culture, honor craftsmanship, and create space for curiosity.
What I’m most proud of is the energy we’ve created. It’s the kind of space where strangers become friends, where people come to learn but leave feeling seen and connected. And we’re just getting started.
At its core, Mezcal Social Club is a celebration of people, place, and purpose. And if you’re someone who values experiences over transactions, culture over trends, and community over clout—you’ll feel right at home with us.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is from when we first arrived in the United States from Cuba. We didn’t have much—we lived above a Chinese restaurant in a tiny apartment filled with mismatched hand-me-down furniture. But honestly? Those were some of the happiest, most meaningful days of my life.
What I remember most is the simplicity: being with my family, spending time outside, watching movies together, going to the local fair when we could. I’ll never forget how my parents scraped together enough money to buy me a single Disney VHS. I must’ve watched that movie hundreds of times—I even started picking up English just from playing it on repeat. That tape wasn’t just a movie, it was my first teacher, my comfort zone, and my escape all in one.
Looking back, it showed me how much joy and growth can come from so little. Those early moments instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and creativity. It taught me that it’s not about having the most—it’s about making the most of what you have. That’s a value I carry with me to this day, in life and in everything I build.
Pricing:
- Early Bird Tickets cost $55
- Standard Tickets cost $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mezcalsocialclub.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamimezcalclub/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mezcal-social-club/
Image Credits
Santiago Marquez
Santiago Photoss
https://santiagophotoss.myportfolio.com/work
