Natalie Boyatt

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Natalie Boyatt, the founder and CEO of Bevee, a Memphis-based brand built on a simple idea that turned into a movement: bringing people together, one drink run at a time. A few years ago, I was a single mom juggling work, motherhood, and a dream that wouldn’t leave me alone — an idea for a reusable drink carrier that would make life easier, more sustainable, and a little more fun. With no funding, no background in manufacturing, and zero guarantees, I dove in headfirst.

What started as sketches on my kitchen table became a patented product that went viral on Amazon, featured in media outlets, and found its way into the hands of moms, teachers, and teams across the country. Since then, Bevee has evolved into multiple product lines, including FanFuel by Bevee, a collegiate and pero-sports-inspired version that turns every tailgate or coffee run into a moment of connection and pride.

But beyond the product, Bevee represents my bigger mission: to show other women that you don’t need to have it all figured out — you just need to start. My journey has been full of pivots, perseverance, and purpose. Every challenge has taught me something about resilience, creativity, and what’s possible when you refuse to quit on your dream.

What did it take/how did you get started?

It all started with something simple — carrying too many drinks at once. As a former pharmaceutical sales rep and busy mom, I was constantly the one doing the coffee or smoothie runs. I’d juggle trays, spill drinks, and wish there was an easier way. When I couldn’t find a reusable, practical option, I decided to create one myself. What I didn’t realize then was how much grit it would take to bring a physical product to life.

I had no funding, no background in product design or manufacturing — just a belief that if I was struggling with this, millions of others probably were too. I maxed out credit cards, cold-called factories, and taught myself everything from CAD drawings to supply chain logistics. The “why” behind Bevee runs deeper than convenience. It’s about connection — those everyday moments of showing up for others, whether it’s coffee for your coworkers, game-day drinks for your friends, or a pick-me-up for your kids. Bevee was born from a problem, but it’s grown into a purpose: to remind people that small acts of togetherness still matter.

Looking back, I realize the hardest part wasn’t building the product — it was building belief in myself. Every setback forced me to become more resourceful, more confident, and more determined. Bevee became proof that you don’t have to have all the answers to start — you just have to trust your why and keep moving forward, one step (and one spill) at a time.

What does the future look like for you and your business?

The future feels wide open — and for the first time, I’m not afraid of that. Bevee started as one simple product, but it’s grown into a platform for creativity and connection. I’m expanding into new versions like FanFuel by Bevee, our sports and tailgating line that turns every game-day moment into a walking billboard of team pride. Beyond that, I have four more patented products in development — from integrated coolers to new reusable drinkware accessories — all designed to make life more functional, sustainable, and fun. But the vision is bigger than products.

I want Bevee to represent what’s possible when someone refuses to quit — especially women who are building something from nothing. My book Pivot & Persevere and my upcoming video series were created to share the real story behind the highlight reel — the late nights, the setbacks, and the pivots that lead to purpose. In the next few years, I see Bevee everywhere — from boutiques and college bookstores to major retailers and brand collaborations — but more importantly, I see a community of people who feel inspired to chase their own ideas.

My goal isn’t just to build a brand; it’s to build a movement that reminds people that what starts small can change everything. “Bevee started as a drink carrier, but it’s really a story about carrying your dream until it takes shape.”

What drives / motivates you on a daily basis?

What drives me most is purpose — the belief that every challenge I’ve faced was preparing me for something bigger. As a single mom and founder, there were so many moments when it would’ve been easier to quit — when manufacturers ghosted me, when funds ran out, or when I questioned if anyone would even care about this little drink carrier I believed in so much. But every time I thought about giving up, I thought about my daughter watching me.

I wanted her to see what it looks like to chase something you believe in, even when it’s hard. I’m motivated by women who are building quietly, often behind the scenes, holding families together while holding on to their dreams. I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to be the only woman in the room, to hear “no” more times than you can count — and I also know how powerful it feels when you prove to yourself that you can.

At the end of the day, my motivation isn’t just about success — it’s about impact. If one woman sees my story and decides to take her own leap, then everything I’ve fought through will have been worth it. “I’m driven by the belief that perseverance isn’t just about surviving the hard parts — it’s about discovering who you become because of them.”

What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?

Start before you’re ready — and stay longer than you feel comfortable. When I began Bevee, I didn’t know how to design a product, file a patent, or manufacture anything. I just knew I had an idea that wouldn’t leave me alone. If I had waited until I had the funding, the perfect plan, or the “right” connections, I never would’ve started.

The truth is, you learn by doing — and the mistakes are part of the tuition you pay for your dream. My biggest advice? Don’t let fear of not knowing stop you. Every entrepreneur you admire once felt the same doubt you’re feeling right now. Build a small circle of believers, stay curious, and treat every “no” as redirection, not rejection. And finally, protect your energy. The entrepreneurial world glorifies hustle, but the real magic happens when you slow down enough to hear your own intuition.

The idea that keeps you up at night — that’s the one worth building. “You don’t have to have it all figured out — you just have to believe enough to begin.”

What has been the hardest part of your business journey?

Honestly? The hardest part has been doing it alone. When you’re building something from scratch — especially as a single mom without investors, partners, or a roadmap — every decision feels heavy. There were nights I’d stay up teaching myself manufacturing terms I didn’t understand, designing packaging on Canva, and writing emails to factories at 2 a.m., wondering if any of it would actually work.

It wasn’t just the logistics — it was the emotional weight of pushing forward when no one else could see the vision yet. People see the “after” — the product, the press, the markets — but they don’t see the quiet moments of doubt or the countless pivots it takes to get there. There were times I felt invisible, underfunded, and exhausted — but those were also the moments that built my resilience. I learned that persistence isn’t loud; it’s quiet, steady, and deeply personal. “The hardest part wasn’t the obstacles themselves — it was choosing to keep believing in something no one else could see yet.”

How have you managed burnout thus far?

In the beginning, I didn’t manage it — I ignored it. I wore exhaustion like a badge of honor, thinking hustle meant progress. But I learned the hard way that burnout doesn’t come from working too much — it comes from working out of alignment. Now, I protect my energy like it’s part of the business plan. I’ve learned to build systems, delegate what drains me, and give myself permission to rest without guilt.

Some of my best ideas for Bevee came during long walks, yoga classes, or quiet moments when I finally slowed down enough to listen. As women, we’re often taught to do it all — but the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. These days, I measure success not just by growth, but by peace. Burnout taught me boundaries, and boundaries taught me balance. “I stopped chasing the hustle and started honoring the human — that’s when everything began to flow again.”

What are a few resources that you'd recommend?

I’ve always been drawn to stories of people who started with nothing but an idea and a whole lot of grit. The resources that have guided me the most are the ones that speak to both the heart and strategy of entrepreneurship. A few that I always come back to:

• Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert — a beautiful reminder that creativity is meant to be lived with curiosity, not fear.
• Book: The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest — for those moments when you realize the biggest obstacles are often internal.
• Podcast: How I Built This with Guy Raz — because hearing other founders talk about the messy middle reminds you that everyone’s path is nonlinear.
• Podcast: The Ed Mylett Show — for mindset, faith, and resilience when you need a reminder that you’re capable of more.
• Website/Community: StartUp CPG — an incredible resource for emerging product founders who are trying to navigate manufacturing, funding, and scaling.

And of course, I’d add my own book Pivot & Persevere, because it’s everything I wish I’d had when I started — a roadmap for turning an idea into a product, with the real lessons, costs, and mindset shifts along the way. “The best resources aren’t just the ones that teach you how to build a business — they’re the ones that remind you why you started.”