Gone are the days when men were the faces of the spirits industry. In the olden days, our ancestors would have beer parties for the men in the villages to foster a sense of community solidarity. Alcoholic beverages continue to serve as a sign of hospitality and friendship for the masses. But there's something special about a spirit that was created by a black woman — you know that the ingredients include magic, love, and resilience.
If you didn't know, black women are making waves in spirit, and it's time we celebrate them. Ahead, find four of the countless black women we are rooting for in the spirit industry, serving us black girl magic one shot at a time.
Nayana Ferguson of Anteel Tequila
Photo Courtesy of Nayana Ferguson
Nayana Ferguson is what happens when your passion aligns with your purpose. Tequila is personal for this businesswoman as a pancreatic cancer and breast cancer survivor. Her journey made her very intentional about what she put into her body. Nayana taught us that because tequila is a spirit that is made from the agave plant, it is naturally gluten-free and it is low in carbs, sugar and calories. Nayana has truly leaned into her purpose with her desire to educate people on the benefits of tequila and change the stereotypical thought of what tequila is.
Why she chose the spirit industry:
"I did not plan to get into the spirits industry at all. It all began as a conversation where I asked my husband while we were talking about investing and retirement, 'If you could do anything in the world, what would you do?' At the time, we both had a love for tequila and his reply was to own a tequila company, but he thought it would not be possible. I asked him, 'Why not?' I began researching distilleries in Mexico that we could work with and two days later, I found a distillery that could create our own brand.
"As we both had a passion for tequila and wanted to break the stereotypes surrounding tequila, (i.e. everyone has a bad tequila story), we wanted to start educating the consumer on what a premium spirit tequila truly is, so we decided to start our brand and do it our own way. By doing so, we have created the world's only Coconut Lime Blanco Tequila, a Reposado Tequila that is aged eight months in Tennessee whiskey barrels and a Blanco Tequila, whereas, all are now award-winning."
"You have to be fearless when entering the spirits industry, as there are so many brands that are on the market. You have to have confidence in your vision and what you create for the world."
What it means to be a black woman in the spirits industry:
"I love the fact that I am one of the very few black women in the spirits industry who owns a spirits company and that I am possibly the only black woman who owns a tequila company in the world. I look at it as we are trailblazers in an industry that is male-dominated and that we can create brands that speak to our ingenuity and vision. Being in the spirits industry is challenging, especially for someone like me who had no prior experience. However, I hope that my story is inspiring to black women to show that even if you do not have any experience within an industry that you are passionate about, you can learn and create something magnificent!"
Advice for women aspiring to jump into the spirits game:
"My advice to any woman who wants to jump into the spirits game is to do your research and jump in! You will not know everything, but do not let that stop you from moving forward, as you will learn along the way. If possible, find someone who you may be able to talk to about some of the ins and outs of the spirits industry. Otherwise, you have to be fearless when entering the spirits industry, as there are so many brands that are on the market. You have to have confidence in your vision and what you create for the world."
Samara Rivers of Black Bourbon Society
Photo Courtesy of Samara Rivers
Samara Rivers started the Black Bourbon Society when she noticed a lack of marketing geared towards POC in the spirits industry. The self-proclaimed 'Chief Bourbon Enthusiast' created the Black Bourbon Society (BBS) to galvanize upscale African-American professionals nationwide who had a taste for the finer things in life, but were virtually untapped by the emerging trend of indulging in premium spirits. "Through exclusive events, curated dinner pairings and private whiskey tastings in markets such as ATL, LA, and Chicago, BBS encourages its members to enjoy good bourbon, network with like-minded bourbon lovers and gain a deeper appreciation for America's Native Spirit," she explained in a 2019 interview with Will Drink for Travel.
BBS has over 10,000 members and they've partnered with and featured several brands including Wild Turkey, Maker's Mark and Four Roses. As a certified Executive Bourbon Steward and a co-host to a weekly podcast, Rivers dedication to visibility and diversity is definitely felt.
Why she chose the spirit industry:
"I'm not sure if I chose this industry, or [if] by luck the industry chose me. I knew that I wanted to make a difference in our world around the notion of diversity and inclusion, but never did I think it would take me on this particular journey. The spirits industry is one the most fun and genuine industries around. The moment I started BBS, I felt like I was a part of a family."
What it means to be a black woman in the spirit industry:
"Being a black woman in the spirits industry definitely can be challenging at times, but it also means that everyone notices your presence. I have gotten used to being 'the only' in the room knowing that I represent an entire demographic of tens of thousands."
Advice for women aspiring to jump in the spirit game:
"Like Nike says, 'Just do it!' If you don't have a seat at the table, be prepared to bring your own chair. But overall, you'll see that there are plenty of opportunities to be seized in this industry. You just have to be bold enough to want it!"
Joy Spence of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum
Joy Spence
If you Google Joy Spence, you'll quickly see that she is the first woman to hold the position of Master Blender in the spirits industry globally. Her love for chemistry led her to become one of the most renown pioneers in the world. Over the course of her decades-spanning career, Spence has been at the helm of creating some of the finest rums the world has to offer, including but not limited to the Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old. "I think I am one of the fortunate few who are able to use science and technology to create spirit – both literally and figuratively - in the world," Spence shared during a 2018 awards ceremony. "At Appleton, we have been able to blend rich Jamaican rum, making heritage with cutting edge technology to create some of the finest brands in the world. I will continue to spread the joy of rum globally and, by extension, promote Brand Jamaica."
Why she chose the spirit industry:
"I was lecturing in chemistry and decided that I wanted to gain experience in manufacturing and joined Tia Maria as their Research Chemist. After two years, I became very bored and joined J. Wray andNephew (owner of Appleton Estate) as the Chief Chemist. This is the moment that I fell in love with rum. I discovered that it had the most complex and beautiful flavors with exceptional versatility. I was tutored by the previous Master Blender for 17 years as he recognized that I had excellent sensory skills and creativity and would one day become a great Blender. In 1997, I was appointed the Master Blender and became the first female in the spirit industry."
What it means to be a black woman in the spirit industry:
"It was a true honor as a black woman to become the first Female Master Blender in the Spirits Industry. I was able to open doors for other women in the industry. We were always working in the background and now we are finally receiving recognition. It is a true testament that with hard work and passion you can achieve the impossible."
Advice for women aspiring to jump in the spirit game:
"My advice to women aspiring to jump in the spirit game is to embrace the challenge, focus on you craft, exude passion, be creative, become a sponge for knowledge, and the sky is the limit."
Chanel Turner of FOU-DRÉ
Photo Courtesy of Chanel Turner
From Pentagon Web Developer to the first African-American woman to head a vodka company, Chanel Turner is no stranger to hard work. She was not happy with the underwhelming taste of vodka so, like black women do, she pulled up to make her own. Testing over 80 formulas, this CEO was determined to create a spirit that didn't need to be paired with something else. Chanel invested all of her savings to create Fou-Dre, which is in more than 30 liquor stores in the DC area, as well as in several other states and overseas in Singapore.
Why she chose the spirit industry:
"I choose the spirit industry because I saw an opportunity for Black female ownership in an industry that was void of people who looked like me. It's also recession-proof, so that helps. With my background in IT, I wanted to find a more innovative way to create spirits. I partnered with a distillery who utilizes a technology that removes harsh cogeners and free radicals during the distillation process, creating a healthier, cleaner way to drink spirit beverages."
"I choose the spirit industry because I saw an opportunity for Black female ownership in an industry that was void of people who looked like me. It's also recession-proof, so that helps. With my background in IT, I wanted to find a more innovative way to create spirits."
What it means to be a Black woman in the spirit industry:
"It means double the work as my white counterparts. African-Americans in this industry aren't afforded the same resources as white constituents, such as distribution outlets, financial assistance, and retail opportunities. It means diversity in a space that historically is limited to people of color. Overall, it means fighting for your voice to be heard and paving the way for others to come later down the line."
Advice for women trying to jump into the Spirit game:
"I would recommend that one finds a support network and make strategic alliances because you cannot do this in silo. When I first entered this industry, I found myself alone looking for support and mentorship. Unable to find such resources, I ended up mentoring myself. Because women are the minority in this industry, we have to find ways to come together."
Featured image courtesy of Samara Rivers of Black Bourbon Society
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The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
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On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
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Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
Meanwhile, frankincense and myrrh originate from the Middle East and Africa (you know, like the Bible does — some folks need to be reminded of that—eh hem — Trumpers) and ginger? It too helps with indigestion (which can definitely creep up at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables); plus, it’s a key ingredient for ginger snaps and gingerbread houses. So, as you can see, holiday-themed scents have a rhyme and reason to them.
Tying this all in together — several years ago, I penned an article for the platform entitled, “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry ‘Christmas Sex’?” Well, in the spirit of revisiting some of that content, with a bit of a twist, I decided to broach some traditional holiday scents from the perspective of which ones will do your libido a ton of good from now through New Year’s Eve (check out “Make This Your Best NYE. For Sex. EVER.”).
Are you ready to check some of them out, so that, whether it’s via a candle, a diffuser, some essential oil, or some DIY body cream (check out “How To Incorporate All Five Senses To Have The Best Sex Ever”), you can bring some extra festive ambiance into your own boudoir? Excellent.
1. Vanilla
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When it comes to holiday desserts, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find recipes that don’t include vanilla — and that alone explains why it is considered to be a traditional holiday scent. As far as your libido goes, vanilla is absolutely considered to be an aphrodisiac — partly because its sweet scent is considered to be very sensual. Some studies even reveal that vanillin (the active ingredient in vanilla) is able to increase sexual arousal and improve erectile dysfunction in men. So, if you adore the smell, here is more incentive to use it.
2. Frankincense
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Although, typically, when people think about frankincense (and myrrh), it’s in the context of the gifts that the wise men brought Christ after he was born; it’s a part of the biblical Christmas story. However, frankincense goes much deeper than that. Sexually, since it has an earthy and spicy scent, some people like to use it to meditate (check out “What Exactly Is 'Orgasmic Meditation'?”). Also, since it has the ability to put you in a better mood, soothe and soften your skin and maintain your oral health — with the help of frankincense, every touch and kiss can be that much…sexier.
3. Cinnamon
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I already gave cinnamon a shout-out in the intro. Personally, I’ve been a fan of it, in the sex department, for a long time now (check out “12 ‘Sex Condiments’ That Can Make Coitus Even More...Delicious”). When it’s in oil form, it can be very sweet to the taste while sending a warm sensation throughout the body — which is why the giver and receiver of oral sex can benefit from its usage. Beyond that, cinnamon helps to increase blood flow to your genital region, elevate sexual desire and, some studies say that it can even help improve fertility. Beautiful.
4. Peppermint
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If there’s a signature candy for the holiday season, it’s probably a candy cane — which automatically puts peppermint in the running for being an official holiday scent. Pretty much, in any form, it’s got your sex life’s back because it’s hailed as being a sexual stimulant; in part, because its smell is so invigorating. Plus, it helps to (eh hem) ease headaches, it gives you more energy and it can definitely help to freshen your breath. Also, that minty sensation? The same thing that I said about cinnamon can apply to peppermint too (if you catch my drift).
5. Ginger
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Whether it’s in a meal or in your bedroom, ginger is going to produce results that are hella spicy. On the sex tip, science has praised ginger for being able to increase sexual arousal, improve blood circulation (which intensifies orgasms) and strengthen fertility for many years. Scent-wise, I find it to be one that both men and women enjoy because it is both woodsy and sweet. So, if you’ve got some massage oil in mind, adding some ginger is a way to please you both.
6. Pomegranate
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September through December is the time of year when pomegranates are considered to be in season. And, as someone who is a Rosh Hashanah observer, I have a personal adoration for them because I am aware of the various things that they symbolize in Hebrew culture including the fact that they are a fruit that represents love and fertility. So yeah, they would absolutely be an aphrodisiac — one that is perfect for this time of the year. While consuming it helps to boost testosterone levels in both men and women, the floral bittersweet smell that it produces can help to reduce stress while promoting relaxation (like most floral scents do) — and the more relaxed you are, the easier it is to climax.
7. Nutmeg
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Another signature seasoning during the holiday season is nutmeg. It’s perfect in Thanksgiving sweet potato (or pumpkin) pie and Christmas morning French toast. And yes, it can also make your sex life better. If you consume it, it can intensify your libido and, overall, its warm-meets-spicy-meets-sweet smell is so inviting that it is considered to be a pretty seductive scent.
8. Cloves
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I ain’t got not one lie to tell you — if you’ve got a toothache, put some clove oil on that bad boy and send me a Christmas present for putting you on game. Aside from that, as I round all of this out, cloves are another holiday scent that can do wonders for your sex life. For men, it has the ability to significantly increase sexual arousal and improve stamina and endurance. For men and women alike, it also has a reputation for strengthening sexual desire. And for women solely? Well, if you want an all-natural way to increase natural lubrication down below — the scent and and feel (in DILUTED oil form) can make that happen. It can make the holidays especially special…if you know what I mean.
Ah yes — the atmosphere of the holidays and what it can do.
Take it all in! Scent ‘n whatever stimulating that comes with it! #wink
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