Alumni Business Owner Spotlight: Jessica Schoepp, 92 Beverage Co

When Jessica Schoepp reflects on her path from student to entrepreneur, one theme rises above all others: growth — personal, professional, and community-driven.

A Northwestern Polytechnic alumna, Jessica completed academic upgrading and the first two years of her Bachelor of Education before transferring into the Teacher Education North (TEN) collaborative program through the University of Alberta. Staying in Grande Prairie while studying helped solidify her connection to the region — a connection that continues to shape her work today.

Jessica’s experience at NWP influenced her career. “I came out of post-secondary a completely different person and it was such a good journey because you go in thinking that you know something about yourself and then you find out, you might not even want to do that thing at the end – that you like something completely different,” she reflects. 

That evolution proved powerful. From nursing attendant to finance professional, charity work to community engagement, Jessica followed her curiosity and skills wherever they led. Today, in addition to owning and operating 92 Beverage Co, she works as a Community & Student Engagement Coordinator with the Northern Alberta Medical Program — a collaborative initiative between NWP and the University of Alberta that brings her story full circle.

Finding Her Way to Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship had always been on Jessica’s horizon. With a diverse educational background and a willingness to keep learning, she embraced the belief that “you can be what you want to be — you just have to start doing it.”

Her greatest motivation, however, came from family. As a mother of seven, Jessica was driven to build a life rooted in financial independence, resilience, and leadership. Opening a business was not just about making a living, it was about modelling possibility for her children and future generations to come.

92 Beverage Co began in event catering, and business spread quickly through word of mouth. Guests encouraged Jessica and her partner Ken to create a permanent space, and they responded by creating something truly special: a cocktail bar that feels less like a venue and more like a friend’s living room.

About 92 Beverage Co

Opened in December 2022, 92 Beverage Co is a cocktail bar in downtown Grande Prairie that has quickly become known for its warmth, creativity, and unmistakable personality. Now in its fourth year, the business employs eight staff — many of them NWP students — and proudly serves an over-18 clientele seeking connection, conversation, and experience.

With no TVs, a relaxed atmosphere, and a thoughtfully curated menu (including a full zero-proof offering), the space encourages people to put their phones down and engage with each other. It welcomes locals, visitors, adventure-seekers, and anyone looking for a place that feels like home.

What truly sets 92 Beverage Co apart is its voice and versatility. The bar blends upscale cocktails with approachable, playful food — hot dogs and flatbreads elevated with creativity and intention. From chef’s table dinners and jazz nights to cocktail-and-hot-dog pairings and an annual Festivus celebration, the space shifts effortlessly between elegance and playfulness.

“We’re just big kids who want to have fun too,” Jessica says. That spirit is reflected everywhere, from Renaissance-style portraits of the owners’ dogs to tongue-in-cheek décor that never takes itself too seriously.

Lessons from NWP That Lasted

Jessica credits her time at NWP with helping her build confidence, resilience, and the ability to stand behind her ideas. Courses in psychology, sociology, and Indigenous studies challenged her to question assumptions, articulate her beliefs, and defend her thinking — skills she now uses daily as a business owner.

“(In business) you have to ask for money and you have to convince people that your business is worth investing in and worth coming to, and worth seeing the value in it,” She explains. “And if you can't come up with the idea, defend it, have people question it, and be able to withstand that, then you're not going to go very far in business.”

Just as importantly, NWP broadened her worldview, exposing her to new perspectives and ideas. This growth continues to guide her leadership and community involvement.

Pride, Recognition, and Community

Since opening, 92 Beverage Co has earned meaningful recognition, including Downtowner of the Year in its first year and Small Business of the Year from the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce.

For Jessica, those honours matter because they reflect connection and trust.

Being listed in NWP’s new Alumni Business Directory carries that same significance. “I feel really proud of it,” she says. “I know so many other alum business owners from NWP, and I have so much respect and admiration (for them). They're very inspirational,” she explains. “It's cool for future students to see themselves (on it), and all of the businesses listed, and that makes me happy.”

Advice for the Alumni Wolfpack

For fellow members of the alumni wolfpack considering business ownership, Jessica offers grounded, generous advice:

• Build a strong business plan
• Seek mentorship and community support
• Leverage local resources and alumni networks
• Give yourself grace — you don’t have to know everything right away

Above all, she emphasizes collaboration. From local builders and artists to food vendors and partners, Jessica believes strong relationships are what elevate both businesses and the city itself.

“Grande Prairie is on the cusp of a cultural explosion,” she says. “I think that we're going to get through that by levelling each other up and being able to see Grande Prairie as not what it's always been, but what it can be, and strong partnerships help with that.”