12/01/2025
Let me reintroduce myself. Iām Kristen Chavez HatchāMaster Distiller and founder of Wild AZ Distillery. After 20 years in finance, I finally chose the path that feels like home: crafting whiskey, crafting gin, and building something real from the ground up.
This journey hasnāt been easy. Itās been messy, humbling, eye-opening, and full of lessons I definitely didnāt sign up forābut needed anyway. And I wouldnāt be here without my distiller Randy and my head distiller Josh. Their support has been everything.
Today, the rebuild is stronger, clearer, and more promising than ever.
And while building this distillery, Iām also raising a 6ā2ā fourteen-year-old who plays every sport known to manāand a few Iām convinced he just made up to keep me busy. At this point, Iām basically his chauffeur, snack dealer, and unofficial team therapist. But watching him chase his dreams reminds me to keep chasing mine.
Second timeās the charmā
and this time, Iām walking in with purpose.
To every mom who needs this:
You are stronger than you think.
Youāre allowed to start over.
Your dreams still matter.
And you are absolutely capable of building a life youāre proud of.
Donāt let anyone shrink your vision or dim your spark.
You can. You will.
Keep going.
