Today we’d like to introduce you to Cautney Nelson.
Hi Cautney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Drunken Laboratory began as an after-school program introducing disadvantaged students to the incredible world of science. After quitting her job
as a patient coordinator, our founder, Cautney Nelson, started a nonprofit called
Millennial Scnce in March of 2019. Millennial Scnce allowed Nelson to teach and
inspire underprivileged students through interactive, STEM-focused programming.
As she soon discovered, both children and adults loved the fun curricula she
curated, which made her wonder how could she continue to engage this older
crowd of science lovers in an innovative way.
Thus, in October of 2019, “Sicnce & Sip” was born: Nelson created an immersive
experience, in which adults could conduct outlandish science experiments, while
sipping delicious drinks with their friends. The project evolved into “The Drunken
Laboratory,” catching guests’ attention on Groupon and selling out in just two
weeks without a set location, any reviews, or even a social media presence. One
thing was clear: Guests craved a new, exciting way to engage with science, and The
Drunken Lab’s delicious cocktails, thrilling games, immersive environment,
interactive experiments, and live DJ did the trick.
The Drunken Laboratory soon averaged over 1,500 views daily on its freshly made
website and became one of Groupon’s most viewed experiences in all of NYC. After
many successful sessions, in March of 2020, The Drunken Laboratory took to
Boston as a temporary installation and sold out all four sessions in a matter of
days. Currently, The Drunken Laboratory is preparing to expand to Atlanta, GA for
their second brick-and-mortar location in Fall 2025.
Nelson says “The simple goal of The Drunken Laboratory is to bring people together
through science; and that will continue to be its main focus, as we continue to
grow and reach more people.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges for me was navigating the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a business. Things like managing payroll, dealing with insurance, and implementing business procedures were particularly daunting. I never went to school for business, and I don’t have anyone in my family with these skills, so it was all new territory for me. It wasn’t necessarily complicated, but it was unfamiliar and took time to learn. Once I was able to get over that hill, everything became much easier. Another significant challenge was transitioning from a nonprofit focused on students to a business catering to adults, and later, navigating the expansion to new cities, each with its own regulations and market dynamics.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Science and Sip?
The Drunken Laboratory is a Science and Sip immersive experience located originally in NYC now having it’s popup event in Houston. It is an intimate, immersive experience, where guests transform into scientists, conduct thrilling experiments, and compete in exciting games in an effort to be a scientist for a night in the comfort of friends and like minded strangers! The Drunken Laboratory offers a novel and immersive entertainment concept that combines science, cocktails, and social interaction. By providing a unique and interactive experience, we address the demand for fresh and exciting nightlife options.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The industry of interactive science experiences is poised for significant growth over the next 5-10 years. At The Drunken Laboratory, we’re strategically expanding to major U.S. cities, positioning ourselves as a leader in immersive, engaging scientific entertainment. Our vision is to continue being at the forefront of viral, interactive science experiments that make learning both exciting and accessible.
Pricing:
- Sober Admission $54.99 key detail Package Includes One NON-alcoholic beverages General Admission for one Safety Gear All instructions/materials
- Tipsy Admission $64.99 key detail Package Includes One crafted cocktail General Admission for one One specialty shot Safety Gear All instructions/materials
- DRUNKEN ADMISSION FOR TWO $159.99 key detail Package Includes General Admission for Two People Bottle of Champagne to share One crafted cocktail per person One specialty shot per person Safety Gear for two All instructions/materials
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scienceandsip.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrunkenlab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDrunkenLab/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/72311390/admin/dashboard/
- Twitter: https://x.com/thedrunkenlab?s=21
