The One Year Anniversary of Monita Tequila: A Letter from the Owner
11/11 Anniversary Party at Carroll Hall, photo by Daniel Gutiérrez
On November 11, 2023 I celebrated the one year anniversary of Monita Tequila. Typing out these words is surreal. One year ago, on 11/11 I suddenly received an email that the online shop was launched and that the tequila was officially for sale. I knew the day was coming, but I didn't know it was going to be on that particular day. The year before that I was waiting patiently for updates about the physical glass bottles that were delayed as a result of the global shipping disruption during the peak of the COVID pandemic. These last three years since I came up with the idea to create this brand have been completely unpredictable but I wouldn't have it any other way. Everything happened exactly as it was supposed to in order for me to get here: celebrating the one year anniversary of Monita Tequila.
One of the most meaningful moments of the night was when a group came up to sip and one person said, "This is the best tequila I've ever tasted."
Monita Tequila inspired art piece by C, photo by Daniel Gutiérrez
What was once an idea has now become an emerging spirits brand... and the talk of Brooklyn leading up to the event! Throughout the event I had the pleasure of leading partygoers up to the treehouse in the outdoor courtyard of Carroll Hall to try the tequila on its own. One of the most meaningful moments of the night was when a group came up to sip and one person said, "This is the best tequila I've ever tasted." I created the best tequila someone has ever tasted. A surreal moment and a dream come true to hear that feedback about Monita Tequila.
Monita Braxton
A dear friend flew all the way from Seattle to support me and attend the event. We've both lost our mothers so we understand how it feels to long for their presence in our lives at each and every milestone. As we were standing in the middle of the crowd, at a rare pause in the jam-packed evening, she leaned over and said, "I can see your mom up there in the balcony, recording everything." That's exactly where mom would've been, beaming with pride from the sidelines, cheering me on. There's nothing I would've loved more than to pour a shot for my mom and cheers to the brand created to honor her.
Monita Tequila sign hanging at Carroll Hall, photo by Daniel Gutiérrez
A special thank you to everyone who came out on 11/11 to support this Black woman owned independent spirits brand and its mission to make every moment special in honor of a Black single mother. This evening was made all the more special by the exhibition of Monita Tequila-inspired artwork created by C. These five original pieces made the perfect backdrop for the intimate and soul-touching performance by Brooke Leialoha. This gathering was the perfect way to mark the end of year one and provided inspiration on how to elevate the brand for year two. Can't wait to see you at the next event!
