Andrea Simpson & Kristin Patrick

Andee (right) and Kristin (left) both made the radical choice* to quit drinking alcohol in 2021. Then shortly after the 2022 new year, they stumbled across an article in Vogue magazine that blew their minds, Booze-Free Bottle Shops Are Making Dry January Easier Than Ever. They thought, what? There is such a thing as alcohol-free bottle shops? The wheels started turning, and here they are today running two alcohol-free bottle shops in Carmel, Indiana.

They could go on and on… and on… (like, we get it!) about the positive impacts that they have enjoyed as a result of their decisions to go alcohol-free. Though it can be, Loren’s AF Beverages isn’t about sobriety. People chose to abstain from alcohol for a lot of reasons. Spoiler alert, it’s not just people who are pregnant. Loren’s Alcohol-Free is about disruption and inclusion. Disrupting the narrative that alcohol is essential to celebrate, relax, or network in Central Indiana. Andee and Kristin believe that there is an art to entertaining. Organizing a stylish soiree and making everyone feel welcome is no piece of rum-alternative cake. The best, most memorable events are ones where there is a sense of belonging. Offering alcohol-free alternatives isn’t only fun and delicious, it’s the inclusive thing to do as a host.

Loren’s Alcohol-Free Beverages is named after their dad, Loren Dow Marley, who passed away in March 2022. He was their steadfast cheerleader, a dad who wanted to give his daughters every opportunity to succeed, and quote — fail. He had a lot of quotes. One favorite is “it’s all part of your education.” Andee and Kristin agree. Starting a business, rejecting cultural expectations, and learning to throw a hell of a party are all parts of their education.

Photo of Sue and Loren Marley, March 2021, at Ruth Chris Steakhouse in Indianapolis

*phrase borrowed from the book title, Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice Not to Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol