The Start of DISTRYB
My introduction to the world of Black-Owned Wine & Spirits began in an unexpected setting—a barbershop in Bremerton, Washington, on March 13, 2021. I was in town for a family wedding when a local Black barber offered me a taste of Lasserre Honey Cognac. Captivated by its distinctive flavor, I returned to New York City eager to find it again, only to discover it was unavailable in my area. The brand had yet to penetrate the New York market.
Seeing the potential to bring this remarkable cognac to a wider audience, I connected with Norvelle Lasserre, the creator of Lasserre Honey Cognac, through LinkedIn. That conversation sparked a realization: many high-quality Black-Owned brands were striving to establish themselves in a fiercely competitive industry. With my extensive network in New York City and a deep passion for supporting these brands, I recognized an opportunity to make an impact.
When I learned that the first Black person in U.S. history to be legally licensed for crafting and distilling liquor post-Prohibition achieved that milestone only in 2012, it was clear that much work remained to be done. Over the next few years, I fully immersed myself in the industry. I connected with influential leaders like Jackie Summers and Vanessa Braxton, gaining insights into the obstacles Black-Owned brands face. Simultaneously, I advanced my career at a leading customer engagement tech company, developing expertise in one of the most powerful platforms for end-user marketing and communications.
Armed with this knowledge and experience, I knew it was time to take the leap and build a business that could support these brands. This vision led to the founding of Resilient Spirits LLC, which later evolved into DISTRYB—a company committed to helping Black-Owned Wine & Spirits brands thrive. The journey came full circle on January 21, 2023, when I finally ordered a bottle of Lasserre Honey Cognac, symbolizing the strides being made to expand access to Black-owned products nationwide.
For me, DISTRYB is more than just a business; it is a mission to empower Black-Owned brands and secure their place in the marketplace, while also driving innovation within the industry.
