Casa De Reyes Tequila stands as a testament to excellence, passion, and innovation in the world of spirits. Founded by Monroe Lipsey, Flex Jackson, and Dekoda Watson, this black-owned tequila brand from Dallas, Texas, has been making waves with its exceptional quality and commitment to heritage. Each member of the dynamic trio brings unique expertise and vision to the table, ensuring that every bottle of Casa De Reyes Tequila is a celebration of craftsmanship and culture.
Interview with Monroe Lipsey, Flex Jackson, & Dekoda Watson - the Founders of Casa De Reyes Tequila
Join us as we dive into the story of these inspiring founders and their journey to create a standout brand in the tequila industry.
Can you share the story behind why you decided to start your company?
Casa De Reyes was started from an idea at Happy Hour. After 3 years of routinely enjoying most Friday happy hours at different locations throughout DFW and trying different tequilas along the way, we decided there was an opportunity to gain a small piece of the market and create a tequila that people would enjoy. From that initial thought the three of us had our own driving force including wanting to take a greater and more impactful risk, a true appreciation and knowledge search for agave spirits and the transitioning from a 10 year career in the NFL to a 2nd career.
How do you think your background and identity have influenced the way you run your business in the alcohol industry?
Collectively, our backgrounds are that of humble beginnings, living through times of not having enough and having to be the underdogs in each of our spaces. This really has helped us grow our business because we operate with integrity and keep our eyes on the bottom line, all while fitting into the pretentious spaces of luxury. It has on the other side of the coin made us hyper sensitive to the challenges of the industry and wondering when we will truly take off.
What were your biggest challenges when you got started, and what is your biggest challenge right now?
We started during COVID so getting raw materials ready for production was probably our biggest challenge, or so we thought. Now that we are in the market our biggest challenge is not having the right distribution network to help us to grow outside of ourselves and finding opportunities to secure funding.
What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who are interested in entering the alcohol production industry?
I would advise other entrepreneurs to spend a lot of time in the market, selling your product idea to see what feedback you get on how to best differentiate yourself. From there, spend more time and money investing in building brand hype prior to going to market and be careful about how much customization in packaging you want early. Think about costs and how you can create a growth story if capital is limited.
What inspires you to keep going when things get hard?
When things get hard we keep going for a couple of reasons. First, we truly believe we have a good quality product and tasting profile that stands out. Two, where we currently are in our journey it would cost more to unravel the business than to keep it. Lastly, our desire to leave corporate America and make ownership a reality.
Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you or your company?
We are currently looking to raise capital, and the right person to help us find and secure that capital.
Casa De Reyes Tequila is more than just a brand; it's a reflection of dedication, community, and a shared passion for premium tequila. As you savor their handcrafted spirits, don’t miss out on the chance to experience their magic with a special discount—use code "HopScotch10" for 10% off your purchase, valid for the next 3 months.
Be sure to follow their journey on social media @casadereyestequila and visit their website at casadereyestequila.com for the latest updates and exclusive insights. Cheers to Monroe Lipsey, Flex Jackson, and Dekoda Watson for their remarkable contributions to the world of spirits!
Cheers to crafting a legacy, one bottle at a time!
Because Diversity is the taste of life®!
Remember to enjoy responsibly.
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