Summary

In this special birthday edition of Never Stop Dreaming Biggie, "Birthday Cheers to the Director of No Fun: Craft Cocktails & Caribbean Bar Updates," Angel Holmes celebrates her husband Brian's 32nd birthday by mixing up two incredible craft cocktails destined for The Holmestead Bar menu. Brian (affectionately known as "The Director of No Fun") shares his perfected Cheerwine Old Fashioned recipe complete with homemade Cheerwine syrup and budget-friendly Kirkland bourbon, while Angel whips up a refreshing Gin Fizz that proves gin lovers have all the fun. But this isn't just a cocktail tutorial—it's a raw, behind-the-scenes look at building a dream business while navigating the complexities of launching a Caribbean bar with a giving mission. Angel opens up about their December plans to visit the islands and finally choose their location, the surprisingly difficult journey of setting up a specialized nonprofit for disaster relief, and shares her powerful Hurricane Hugo survival story that shaped her lifelong commitment to helping people who lose everything. From the emotional tale of her Justin Bieber dress (complete with bike accident, broken shoulder, and Brian's romantic rescue) to discovering memorabilia that might hang on the bar walls, this episode is packed with laughter, love, and practical lessons about balancing dreams with real life. Whether you're following along with their entrepreneurial journey, looking to learn bartending basics, or just need inspiration that dreams really do become reality with consistent action, this episode reminds you that building something meaningful is messy, beautiful, and always worth celebrating.

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Takeaways

• The secret to a perfect Old Fashioned: use a single large ice block, not ice chips or cubes
• Cheerwine syrup (made with boiled Cheerwine and brown sugar) creates a unique Southern twist on classic cocktails
• Kirkland bourbon from Costco is an excellent budget-friendly option for craft cocktails at $25/bottle
• A classic Gin Fizz requires gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, orange bitters, and soda water
• The Holmestead Bar will celebrate birthdays with special cocktails and personalized music
• December 2025 is the target for their final Caribbean island selection visit
• Setting up a specialized nonprofit for international disaster relief requires finding the right attorney—and they're harder to find than expected
• Hurricane Hugo (September 21, 1989) shaped Angel's lifelong commitment to disaster relief work
• Personal survival stories and authentic vulnerability are what make business missions meaningful
• The Holmestead will have two main pillars: disaster relief and supporting the local island community
• Friends of the Homestead program will offer partnership opportunities, perks, and potential stays at the bar
• Work-life balance matters even when building your dream—Brian's goal at 32 is achieving better balance after 27 years at Santee Cooper
• Pop-up bar events in Charleston are planned before the Caribbean launch to practice bartending skills
• Memorabilia and personal stories (like Angel's "Kiss It" license plate and Hurricane Hugo scrapbook) will be incorporated into the bar design
• Building a business with your spouse requires celebrating small wins—like finally perfecting that Old Fashioned recipe
• Sometimes the holding patterns in business (waiting for the right attorney, timing island visits) are necessary for doing things right

Chapters

00:00 Birthday Party Intro & Welcome to Episode 32

02:30 Brian's Cheerwine Old Fashioned Tutorial

08:45 Angel's Gin Fizz Recipe & Cocktail Shaking Tips

14:20 The Holmestead Update: Island Visit Plans for December

18:35 Nonprofit Setup & Finding the Right Attorney

22:10 Angel's Hurricane Hugo Survival Story & Photos

30:45 The Justin Bieber Dress Story (& Brian's Rescue Romance)

36:20 Fun Bar Memorabilia: License Plates, Photos & Memories

42:15 Wedding Photos & Mr. B's Reception Memories

46:30 Friends of the Homestead Program Announcement

50:25 Brian's Birthday Reflections: Work-Life Balance at 32

54:40 Pop-Up Bar Plans & What's Next for The Holmestead

58:15 Hurricane Season Safety & Closing Thoughts

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