Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Verbeck.
Hi Meghan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After my first son was born, I stepped away from my teaching career to pursue something I could build alongside my family. Since then, I’ve welcomed three more boys and operated an in-home daycare, which allowed me to be fully present as a stay-at-home mom while still contributing financially to my family. Those years were especially meaningful, as I was able to spend precious early moments with my children, including my second son, who required specialized care and spent several weeks in the NICU. After operating the in-home daycare for 5 years, I found myself looking for a creative outlet. I began crafting different drink combinations at home and watched my drink nook continue to grow as I kept finding so much joy in the creativity and eventually told my husband I wanted to try selling them at a farmers market.
In May of 2025, I had my very first market and I even brought all of our boys along. It was such a special experience interacting with customers while having my family right there with me. From there, we continued attending farmers markets and eventually expanded into private events. It felt like such a natural flow of progression for the business throughout all of 2025.
At almost every market, the question we heard most was, “Where can I get your drinks during the week?” That’s when I realized what I wanted to do next, open a storefront. My husband and I started looking for a location in December of 2025 and in January of 2026, I signed the paperwork and started the construction process. I learned a lot during that time and I am so incredibly grateful to be open for business finally in our very first brick and mortar location. It was so fun to build the store and show my four boys that you can build something when you really want it!
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?
The short answer is no, it has not been a smooth road. Finding a location that was perfect was the first hurdle. We went to several different locations but once we found our location in Ellisville we knew that we had found a home! Then came construction hurdles. As most projects happen, there are delays and waiting periods that feel like they last forever. Even though the build out of our store took longer than we had planned, we found a way through every hurdle! I could not have brought this store to life without my husband, Ryan, my In-laws, Alison and Mark, and my best friend, Lisa. They have supported me throughout this in so many ways, including so many late nights to get the store ready to serve fun and delicious “dirty beveys”.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I believe we have 2 specific things that set us apart from the others. First, I think that the small family owned aspect is a huge deal for our community! We have a kid- friendly welcoming atmosphere that I hope feels inviting to everyone who stops by. You will often find my boys running around, playing with their toys, and hoping to turn you into their new best friend while you are here. We have a special nook for the kids that come in, tables for the parents to sit, and a bench and patio table outside to enjoy the gorgeous weather in the shade. The second thing I think is super important is the ingredients I have spent hours and hours sourcing and finding for the best possible flavor but also the best possible for our bodies. We use natural sweeteners, natural sugar free sweeteners, and dairy free creamers. All of our flavors are gluten free as well. I really wanted to find a way to ensure we are putting good quality into our body while not sacrificing any flavor! In fact, after trialing several brands, I believe our flavor brands are the most real tasting and do not have any artificial aftertaste or feel to them. I am most proud that we worked our way from a 10 x 10 tent that we hauled all of our equipment with us every weekend, to a storefront that I couldn’t have imagined having just a year ago. Being able to come into my own store each day still feels so surreal to me and I am so thankful.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson that I learned is to never give up. We have definitely had to jump over our fair share of hurdles but I am so excited to have been given the opportunity to show my boys that even when things get tough, you still keep going to achieve your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://popandsonstl.com
- Instagram: @popandsons
- Facebook: @popandsonsdirtybeverages
