We recently connected with Ashton Bray and have shared our conversation below.
Ashton, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I think every entrepreneur has to have a certain level of comfort with risk. After all, starting a business is inherently risky! But for me, it’s not about being reckless; it’s about calculated risk-taking.
The first big risk I ever took was moving to NYC right out of college. I had never been there in my whole 24 years of life, I had no friends or family there, yet I landed a job as a software engineer on Wall Street and knew it would create numerous opportunities for me. The second risk I took was quitting that job after 8 weeks, realizing it wasn’t what I was passionate about and I didn’t feel like a human being. It was a scary decision, but I knew I had to make a change. I spent the next 2.5 months perfecting the art of interviewing, which landed me at my dream job working at a Tech Startup.
Working at that startup was like a crash course in entrepreneurship. I saw firsthand how a successful company is built, from the ground up. I learned how to identify and solve problems quickly and effectively, even under pressure. We IPO’d a year and a half later, which was a testament to the company’s willingness to take risks and innovate. I’ve grown with the company nearly 6 years now.
After gaining experience in the tech world and honing my skills, I felt ready to take the biggest risk yet: launching my own company. DISTRYB is the culmination of all those experiences, and I’m applying everything I’ve learned to build a successful and impactful business that champions Black-owned brands and promotes a more equitable industry.
Looking back, I realize that moving to NYC and leaving that first job were crucial steps in developing my entrepreneurial mindset. They taught me to embrace uncertainty, trust my instincts, and persevere through challenges. Those lessons have been invaluable in building DISTRYB.
I believe that calculated risks are essential for growth, both personally and professionally. I’m not afraid to step outside my comfort zone, and I encourage others to do the same. You never know what you might achieve if you’re willing to take a chance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My passion lies at the intersection of technology and social impact, fueled by a data-driven approach and a commitment to sustainability. I’m driven by the belief that technology can be a powerful force for positive change, particularly when it comes to building community, fostering equity, and promoting responsible practices. This passion, coupled with a stark realization about the lack of representation in the spirits industry, led me to found DISTRYB, a liquor distribution company with a mission to prioritize and promote Black-owned wine and spirits brands.
It was striking to learn that the first Black person legally licensed to craft liquor post-prohibition wasn’t until 2012 – the same year I graduated high school. This fact highlighted the deep-seated inequities within the industry and ignited a fire in me to be a part of the solution.
With DISTRYB, we’re building a platform that not only streamlines the distribution process but also creates a vibrant online community where consumers can engage with these incredible brands on a deeper level. We’re building a platform focused on real-time customer engagement to facilitate online ordering, share brand stories, host virtual tastings, provide educational content, and so much more! This allows us to reach a wider audience and create a more engaging and personalized experience for everyone involved.
My background in technology has been instrumental in developing these innovative solutions. It allows me to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance communication, and ultimately, create a more inclusive and accessible industry for both brands and consumers.
We’re also a data-driven company, constantly analyzing information to optimize our operations, identify trends, and better understand the needs of our partners and consumers. This allows us to make informed decisions that drive growth and maximize our impact.
Furthermore, sustainability is a core value at DISTRYB. We actively seek out brands that share our commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing. We believe that building a successful business goes hand-in-hand with protecting our planet. We even utilize electric delivery vehicles!
We’re incredibly proud to be the only distributor in Illinois carrying Black Momma Vodka, created by Vanessa Braxton, the first African-American woman Master Distiller and Blender in the entire country. Partnering with trailblazers like Vanessa is core to our mission of promoting diversity and equity in the spirits industry.
DISTRYB is a testament to the power of combining passion, purpose, and technology with data-driven insights and a commitment to sustainability. We’re not just distributing liquor; we’re building a movement. And I’m incredibly excited to be at the forefront of this change, using my skills to create a more equitable, connected, and sustainable future for the spirits industry.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I can confidently say that three intertwined qualities have been the bedrock of my journey in building DISTRYB. First and foremost, visionary thinking has been essential. From the outset, I had a clear vision for DISTRYB – to leverage technology to create a more equitable and sustainable spirits industry. This vision has been my North Star, guiding my decisions, motivating me through challenges, and helping me communicate the value of DISTRYB to others.
Secondly, resilience has been my constant companion. Building a business is never a smooth path; there will inevitably be setbacks, obstacles, and moments of doubt. But my resilience has allowed me to persevere through these challenges, learn from mistakes, and maintain my focus on the long-term vision. It’s about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, remembering that setbacks are temporary, and every obstacle overcome makes you stronger.
Finally, adaptability has been key in navigating the ever-changing business landscape. The ability to adapt to new market trends, incorporate customer feedback, and navigate unexpected disruptions has allowed DISTRYB to remain agile and responsive. This involves being open to new ideas and perspectives, embracing continuous learning, and being willing to adjust plans as needed.
These three qualities – visionary thinking, resilience, and adaptability – have been the cornerstones of my journey, and I believe they are essential for any aspiring entrepreneur who seeks to make a meaningful impact.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
DISTRYB thrives on collaboration and partnerships. We believe that building a more equitable and sustainable spirits industry requires a collective effort, and we’re always eager to connect with others who share our vision.
We’re constantly searching for exceptional Black-owned wine and spirits brands to add to our catalog when the time is right. We’re committed to providing these brands with a powerful platform to increase their visibility, expand their market reach, and connect with a wider audience of consumers who are eager to support these businesses.
We also love partnering with retailers and restaurants that share our values and are committed to offering diverse and inclusive product selections. We provide them with access to a curated selection of high-quality Black-owned brands and support their efforts to promote these products to their customers.
Collaboration extends beyond the industry itself. We’re eager to work with organizations and individuals committed to social justice and equity. We believe that by working together, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change within our communities and beyond.
Technology is at the heart of our vision for the future. We’re developing a cutting-edge platform to streamline distribution, enhance communication, and create a vibrant online community. This future platform will provide a space for consumers to engage with Black-owned brands on a deeper level, learn their stories, and discover new favorites. We’re always looking for innovative technology solutions and partners to help us bring this vision to life.
And because sustainability is a core value, we’re interested in partnering with organizations and individuals who are passionate about environmental sustainability and can help us further reduce our environmental footprint and promote responsible practices within the industry.
If you’re interested in collaborating with DISTRYB, we invite you to visit our website at https://www.distryb.com to learn more about our mission and portfolio. You can also connect with us on social media or reach out directly via email at info.distryb.com. We believe that together, we can build a thriving and inclusive spirits industry that celebrates diversity, champions equity, and protects our planet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.distryb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/distryb.us
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DISTRYB
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