Liz practices sobriety for wellness.

When Liz Funk’s youngest daughter began recovery, her perspective on the world completely transformed. She became more aware of the trials faced by those transitioning to a sober lifestyle – including her own brother who unfortunately relapsed on the night of his son’s wedding and missed the event. As her family began to travel and dine with their daughter who is now in early sobriety, Liz witnessed firsthand the challenges of being in a hospitality environment. From being offered champagne as an apologetic gesture to a fully stocked mini bar in your hotel room or being greeted with a cocktail menu at dinner – these common gestures within the hospitality industry can often do more harm than good.

These personal experiences highlighted significant gaps in the hospitality industry and the need for a more thoughtful approach to serving non-drinkers. Liz’s research revealed that not only are individuals in recovery often overlooked, but so are those who respectfully chose to live an alcohol-free lifestyle. As wellness trends evolve, the industry’s shift to personalization is missing the mark by not accommodating those who drink differently. The creation of SoberStay would help to solve this problem and guide hospitality businesses toward greater success by cultivating more intentional, inclusive experiences for these guests.

Before founding SoberStay, Liz served as the Director of Parent and Alumni Programs at Forman School, a college preparatory school for students with learning differences, and brought her expertise to the Board of Directors at Greenwoods, a mental health organization. Guided by her values of transparency, personal growth, and making a meaningful impact, Liz aims to create tailored hospitality spaces that are intentionally for those who practice sobriety for any reason. Her vision for SoberStay is an ambitious one, as she remains committed to leading a movement to change how businesses serve customers who live a sober lifestyle.

From SoberStay-approved Airbnb and VRBO listings to alcohol-free accommodation in hospitality, Liz’s commitment to fostering inclusive spaces comes from her desire to make the world a healthier and more welcoming place. She imagines a future where SoberStay becomes the norm in the industry – something we simply cannot imagine living without.

Jane is a Casual Drinker.

Jane Funk’s path to founding SoberStay was profoundly influenced by her sister’s recovery journey and her own extensive career in the hospitality industry. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in marketing and business administration, Jane embarked on a dynamic career with Propark Mobility. With nearly a decade of experience, she has been involved in sales, operations, and marketing within hospitality spaces nationwide, giving her a unique perspective on the industry and its many layers.

These experiences, coupled with her personal insights, highlighted a significant gap in the market: the need for thoughtful, alcohol-neutral environments. Recognizing the evolving preferences of modern guests who prioritize health and wellness, Jane and her mother, Liz Funk, co-founded SoberStay to address this need. Together, their goal is to empower and educate the hospitality industry and set a new standard in service that doesn’t rely on alcohol.

Driven by empathy and a passion for making the world a brighter place, Jane envisions a future where SoberStay becomes synonymous with inclusive hospitality. She sets out to form significant partnerships with hotel groups, non-alcoholic beverage companies, and restaurant groups, and dreams of SoberStay hosting major alcohol-free events, like a non-alcoholic Super Bowl party. Jane’s commitment to diversity, culture, and continuous self-improvement reflects her dedication to fostering a kinder, more inclusive world.