How Africa News
In 2019, Rikki Kelly broke barriers by becoming the first Black woman to own a tequila brand in the state of Texas at the tender age of 23.
Additionally, she is the third in the United States to accomplish the feat.
“As a black business owner in a traditionally-underrepresented industry, it’s important to me that Ego Tequila opens the doors for further representation across the spirits landscape,” wrote Kelly via the company’s website.
Kelly, who is self-taught and a spirits mogul in the making, launched Ego Tequila’s Blanco and Reposado flavors in 2021. Now, the brand has distribution throughout Texas, with 50 additional locations across Dallas Fort Worth, Houston, and Southeast Texas.
On Jan. 17, Pronghorn announced a capital investment in Hella Cocktail Co. and appointed its first-ever CEO, Jomaree Pinkard.
According to a press release, Pinkard — Hella Cocktail Co.’s Co-Founder — will serve as Chairman of the brand, as well as Pronghorn’s CEO and Managing Director.
“I am thrilled to be joining Pronghorn. I look forward to helping drive wealth and economic power to the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders in the beverage alcohol space,” said Pinkard in an official statement of the news.
