PROJECT OVERVIEW

When entrepreneur Molly set out to open one of Cleveland's first spirit-free bars, all-day cafés, and non-alcoholic bottle shops, she partnered with studio Chartreuse to help bring her vision to life. The goal was to create a brand that felt welcoming, elevated, and memorable while appealing to a growing audience interested in alcohol-free beverages, wellness, and community connection.

The project began with strategic brand naming and positioning. While the original business name was closely tied to Cleveland, our team encouraged a broader approach that would allow the concept to grow beyond a single market. Through a collaborative naming process with our creative writer, the name Verbena Free Spirited was born—a distinctive, scalable brand name inspired by botanicals, gathering spaces, and a free-spirited lifestyle.

Once the name was established, studio Chartreuse developed a comprehensive visual identity system, including logo design, supporting brand marks, color palettes, typography standards, and branded graphic elements. The brand was then extended across a wide range of customer touchpoints including apparel, gift cards, business cards, shopping bags, stickers, menus, packaging, and other branded collateral.

Beyond branding, our team had the unique opportunity to contribute to the design and experience of the physical space itself. Working closely with contractors and vendors, we helped guide interior design decisions including furniture selection, customer flow, retail display opportunities, and environmental graphics. We also collaborated with local maker Shred & Co. to concept and create a bold custom light installation that serves as a focal point above the bar.

To support the ongoing growth of the business, studio Chartreuse has art directed and produced multiple lifestyle and product photography sessions, creating a robust content library for both print and digital marketing efforts. These images continue to support social media campaigns, website updates, promotional materials, and future brand initiatives.

The result is a vibrant, highly recognizable brand that successfully blends hospitality, retail, wellness, and community—establishing Verbena Free Spirited as a destination for thoughtfully curated alcohol-free experiences.