I was born and raised in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California, to parents who were deeply immersed in the world of creativity and business. My father, a film producer, and my mother, a professional photographer turned interior designer and eventually restaurateur, instilled in me a love for all things artistic and entrepreneurial.
From a young age, I showed a natural inclination towards hands-on learning, making traditional schooling a challenge for me. Despite this, I managed to graduate a year early and was accepted into OTIS College of Art & Design at just 17 years old. I thrived in my Foundation year, relishing in the opportunity to build, create, and learn. However, my enthusiasm waned when I started the Fashion Program in Sophomore year. I quickly realized that the next three years of grueling work would only lead me to a repetitive internship, and I yearned for real-world experience.
At the age of 19, I got my first taste of the film industry when I began working as a production assistant in the Costume Department on the set of "We Were Soldiers." Day in and day out, I laced up boots, sewed patches, and organized background actors, immersing myself in the world of hard work and dedication. The long hours, early mornings, and late nights only fueled my passion for the industry, and I soon found myself working on a myriad of movies and commercials as an Assistant Costume Designer.
During my time working in film, I lived in a bustling artist warehouse in downtown LA known as Hangar 1018. The space was a hub for creativity, with traveling art shows, music performances, and a recording studio all under one roof.
Eventually, I made the bold decision to leave the fast-paced lifestyle of Los Angeles behind and relocate to the serene town of Ojai, where my parents had purchased a quaint bakery that would later evolve into the successful AZU Restaurant & Bar. With no prior experience in the restaurant industry, I took on the roles of General Manager, Marketing Director, Graphic Designer, and Food & Beverage Director, utilizing my creative background to grow the business and host a myriad of events.
As the years passed, I married my husband, Jeremy, a former musician and chef turned brewer, and together, we launched Ojai Valley Brewery in 2017. The Thomas Fire threatened to destroy our town that same year, but with the help of the local Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura, we not only survived but thrived. I later became a Business Advisor for the EDC, using my wealth of experience to assist other small businesses in navigating challenges and achieving success.
In 2023, we partnered with renowned winemaker Fabien Castel to create Side Street Wine, a unique wine brand produced in our brewery. The following year, the first vintage was released, marking yet another successful venture for our growing business empire.
Today, I find joy in simplifying my life and focusing on my passion for creativity, problem-solving, and community involvement. Surrounded by the beauty of Ojai, the support of my family, and the success of our businesses, I continue to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship, helping others achieve their dreams and making a positive impact on the world around me.
Elizabeth Haffner
