Ep. 28 Mara Smith, the founder of Inspiro Tequila, shares her journey from being a lawyer, to being a stay-at-home mom for 16 years and then starting her own tequila brand. She discusses the challenges of entering a highly regulated industry and the importance of staying true to her vision. Mara also highlights the lack of representation of women in the tequila industry and how she is working to change that by creating a brand that appeals to female consumers. The episode explores the process of tequila production, the significance of being a B Corp, and the Purple Bicycle Project, which supports female founders.Key Takeaways:

Inspiro Tequila stands out in the spirits industry for its emphasis on additive-free products and its targeting of female consumers.

The brand's unique selling proposition includes being distilled, owned, and led by women, amplifying female voices inside and outside the industry.

Commitment to authenticity and product quality led to a major decision early on: to scrap the entire first production run that did not meet the exact standards.

Inspiro Tequila's social and environmental consciousness is embodied in its status as a certified B Corp, reinforcing a commitment to fostering diversity and giving back to the community.

Resources:

CRT Certification in tequila production and history: Consejo Regulador del Tequila

Buy Inspiro online at shopinspirotequila.com

LinkedIn: Mara Smith

Instagram: @InspiroTequila

Tequila Matchmaker: A useful app to check whether a tequila is additive-free and to learn about the distilleries where they are made.

Enthuse Foundation: A nonprofit organization that provides grants to female founders

WeBank: An organization offering networking, resources, and pitch competitions for women business owners.

Hello Alice: A platform that shares opportunities such as pitch competitions and grants for entrepreneurs.

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican RestaurantEpisode sponsors: Salena’s, Marshall Street, Union TavernFocus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble Produced by JazzCast Pros

Chapters:0:00:00 Introduction with Kelly Metras and Kelly Bush0:03:19 Welcome Mara Smith0:04:12 Mara's background as a lawyer and the challenge of balancing big law firm life with having a family0:06:06 Mara's focus on job security, which led to her transition to corporate strategy0:07:57 Career pause due to pregnancy and bedrest0:09:37 Learning flexibility and adaptability from parenting and its connection to running a startup0:11:01 Choosing tequila as a consumer product and addressing the market opportunity for women0:13:35 Overcoming challenges as women in male-dominated industries0:16:36 Navigating the strict regulations and requirements of tequila production0:18:41 Building an all-female team, including a master distiller, to bring the vision to life0:20:01 Finding the master distiller, Anna Maria Romero, through research and a shared vision0:21:06 The importance of the aroma wheel in tequila production and taste profiles0:22:45 Issues with production and first batch0:25:02 Tequila production process and the importance of fermentation0:27:23 Aging tequila in rosé wine barrels and the unique taste profile of reposado from wine barrel aging0:29:37 Possibility of a limited release añejo0:30:48 Time-intensive process and aging requirements for different tequila types0:32:20 Discussion on inspiring entrepreneurship in a highly regulated industry0:44:20 B Corp certification requires transparency and extensive documentation0:45:49 The importance of supporting women business owners0:47:48 Discussion on being called "bossy" as a woman business owner and Mara's expertise in contracts and high-level strategyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices