Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Mary parlayed a love for music and touring with bands, combined with a bachelor's degree in business management, into her first business out of college as a music promoter. However, one theme throughout her life besides music has always been an infatuation with eating and drinking, so in 2011 she realized her heart may have been with the music, but her soul was being called by her passion for food + beverage. After several trips to Colorado to promote shows, she realized Denver was not only raw with the youth of its scene, but teeming with opportunities and she wanted to be a part of its growth and shaping the direction it would go.

Mary Allison has served both as Membership Director and an Advisor to the board of the Colorado Chapter of the United States Bartending Guild, is a graduate of the Beverage Alcohol Resource Program (BAR 5-DAY), and was the Wine Director of the now-shuttered restaurant Morin and The Proper Pour bottle shop, which both saw multiple recognitions under her stewardship, including Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wine Lists 2019. Alongside her partner and husband, McLain Hedges, she is currently the Owner of Yacht Club, which was just named number 42 on North America's 50 Best Bars, as well as being awarded the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award for most sustainable bar in North America. Additionally, they are also the owners of Door Prize, a charitable music-driven meat+3 popup, as well as a Facilitator at Jelly Bone. While each has its own identity, a common influence throughout is her commitment to genuine hospitality, sustainability, and equity within the industry and beyond. She worships at the altar of Dolly Parton and lives by her motto, 'do no harm but take no shit'.