Fizz Heads

Spreading Fizz and Joy Throughout the Year!

Johanna Johnson Corman
Co-Owner & Chief Product Inspiration Artist
Johanna is the quintessential late bloomer. She worked her way through restaurant jobs in her twenties. Received her college degree, got married, and had two kids in her thirties, started teaching elementary school in her forties and spawned the idea for Vena's Fizz House when she turned fifty. She is now the creator of over twenty liquid alchemy products - with more up her sleeves - and pinches herself every morning as she drives into work. She loves her staff, their creativity, and adores their enthusiasm. She thinks this is the job that will finally stick. She and her husband Steve (The Bitterest Man in the World) still cannot believe that they own their own business, let alone a bar, and are loving every second of it!

To get in touch, email Johanna at: johanna@venasfizzhouse.com
Steve Corman
Co-Owner, Bitterest Man in The World
A native New Englander, Steve has traveled the world, been to thirty countries, has lived on two islands in Maine, and was a public school teacher for nineteen years (gifted resource for mathematics). He is married to Johanna and has two children. He has recently found himself co-owner of Vena's Fizz House and is the lead "liquid alchemist." Steve is an avid IPA beer drinker who never used a bitter in his life before Vena's was born. He is known as "The Bitterest Man in the World" and loves ANYTHING BITTER. He brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge about bitters and a captivating presence to the liquid scene. He is engaging, informative, and loves to share new ways of approaching liquids not seen in mixology before.

To get in touch, email Steve at: steve@venasfizzhouse.com
Mary Jo Marquis
Business Manager
Mary Jo has spent a good portion of her career in the non-profit world combining her skills of strategic planning with program and business development. At Vena's she keeps us organized, doles out a good dose of creativity, and moves us forward - ever forward! A native Mainer, she was a cocktail enthusiast long before her feet graced our door. She loves all things grapefruit and thinks the garnish to a cocktail is like a tie to a suit.

When she's off line - you will find her on the look out for all those things life has hiding behind its back and planning grand adventures that more often than not include swimming, running, biking, or hiking. She captures it all along the way through the lens of her cameras including her father’s Vintage Argus Model A 35mm he used while serving in the Navy.

To get in touch, email Mary Jo at: maryjo@venasfizzhouse.com
Angela Wagner
Graphic Designer
Born and raised in the Greater Boston area and with a deep love for New England, Angela moved to Portland in 2007. Specializing in branding and illustration as a freelance designer, her work can be found here. Currently, Angela can be found designing numerous labels for Vena’s latest products, plotting out her next trip to Europe, taking care of her special-needs kitties, running trails in Maine, and rewarding her efforts with a whiskey -or- gin concoction!
Jim Maldonis
Mixologist/Lead Class Instructor
After growing up in Arlington, Massachusetts, Jim moved to Maine to attend Bates College and eventually became a high school chemistry and biology teacher. After years of drinking exclusively rum and cokes and gin and tonics, Jim began expanding his beverage palate as well as his home bar, making drinks for his wife and friends whenever possible. When the opportunity to join the Vena's liquid alchemy team presented itself, Jim was quick to jump on board to combine his love of bartending with the enjoyment of educating everyone on the chemistry of bitters and the way they can enhance the flavor of even the most standard of drink recipes. You can find Jim, in between science classes, patrolling the bar and crafting many delicious gustatory combinations.
Caitlin Johnson
Events & Sales Coordinator
Caitlin grew up on an apple farm in Maine and has just returned home after living in State College PA, Boston, and most recently, Hong Kong and Singapore where she taught special education for 5 years. At Vena's, you can find Caitlin working with wholesale customers, reaching out to prospective buyers, coordinating classes & events and giving tap dance lessons to staff on Monday mornings. She loves dancing, hiking, playing guitar, and spending time with her friends, family, and cat. Caitlin has admired her Aunt Johanna and Uncle Steve's business since the beginning and is excited to be on board as Vena's grows and develops.