Behind the Scenes: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone - A Journey in Bourbon, Adventure, and Disney Magic

Guest post by Dr. Melissa Scotti

Starting a bourbon brand isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes vision, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. My best friend Dawn, the powerhouse behind New Dawn Distilling, knows this firsthand. She took the leap into the world of bourbon, stepping outside her comfort zone to build something truly special and I’ve had the privilege of watching her journey unfold.  

Dawn and I have known each other for 20 years, having met as grad students in biology. Our paths have taken a clear departure from where we started, but the curiosity and drive that brought us together back then have fueled our journeys ever since. Back in grad school, we also started exploring classic cocktails with our friends through Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails, sometimes with a bit too much enthusiasm! Those nights of experimentation and discovery planted the early seeds of appreciation for craftsmanship in spirits, though neither of us could have guessed where it would lead.

Recently, she took another leap, literally, into a world of new experiences at Disney World with me. We signed up for the Disney Princess 10K to celebrate Dawn’s 45th birthday and frankly to prove to ourselves that we could do it. Neither of us were feeling particularly “prepped”, but we did it anyway. That’s the thing about pushing limits: you don’t always feel ready, but you do it because growth happens in the moments of discomfort. The race was exhilarating and crossing that finish line was proof that we could tackle whatever came our way, whether in business or in life.

But the real test it turns out? Getting Dawn on roller coasters. A self-proclaimed thrill-ride avoider, she faced her fears and rode some of Disney’s iconic coasters. The joy, the nerves, the adrenaline mirrored the very essence of what it takes to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. Sometimes, the best things in life come from taking the leap.

Of course, our adventure wouldn’t have been complete without exploring Disney’s cocktail scene. We indulged in a Waygu fat-washed bourbon cocktail at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs—an unexpected twist on a classic, though we both agreed it would have been much better with New Dawn’s New York 6-year bourbon whiskey.  At Jaleo, we sipped on a refreshing gin mojito, proving that great drinks (like great experiences) often come in forms we don’t expect. And at Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge, we connected with fellow adventurers over expertly crafted cocktails, chatting with the talented purveyors who bring these experiences to life.

Every sip, every mile, and every new experience reminded us why stepping outside our comfort zone is so important. Whether it’s starting a bourbon brand, running a 10K, or braving a roller coaster, growth happens when we push past fear and embrace the unknown. New Dawn Distilling is built on that very spirit—the courage to try, to create, and to explore uncharted territory.

So here’s to bold moves, new experiences, and, of course, great bourbon. Cheers to the next adventure!