We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ingrid Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with INGRID below.
Ingrid, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being the only one in the room has been both my challenge and my training ground. It taught me how to own my voice, trust my expertise, and lead with presence—even when I wasn’t given permission to.
Early in my career, I realized that I couldn’t wait for validation. In conference rooms where no one looked like me, I leaned into preparation, emotional intelligence, and results. I made sure I wasn’t just in the room—I was contributing meaningfully, connecting authentically, and delivering consistently. Over time, I learned how to speak up with confidence, even when it was uncomfortable. I also learned how to listen for what wasn’t being said—because navigating spaces as a woman of color often means reading the room at multiple levels.
I’ve also learned to turn isolation into impact. I used my position as “the only one” to advocate for others, bring new ideas to the table, and challenge norms that no longer served the business—or the people behind it. That perspective made me a better leader and ultimately pushed me to become a founder.
Now, with Nirvana, I’m building something that reflects the very things I used to feel were missing in those rooms: inclusion, representation, wellness, and joy. I may have started as the only one in the room—but I’m making sure I’m not the last.
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?
I’m the Founder & CEO of Nirvana, a clean-label, coconut water–based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail brand created for people who want to indulge intentionally. What makes Nirvana so special is that it redefines what alcohol can be—it’s refreshing, low in sugar, made with real fruit juice and premium spirits, and it’s rooted in wellness without sacrificing flavor or vibe.
After spending over 15 years building some of the world’s biggest beverage brands, I launched Nirvana to fill a gap I kept seeing: products that look good on shelves but don’t feel good in your body. Nirvana was born for those of us who care about ingredients, balance, and joy. It’s not about drinking more—it’s about drinking better.
What I love most is that Nirvana is more than a beverage—it’s a lifestyle brand grounded in representation, freedom, and self-care. As a Black woman founder and single mom, I’m creating something that reflects my values: clean ingredients, cultural inclusion, and space for people to escape, even for a moment.
Right now, our flagship flavor—Chill (Strawberry Lemonade + Vodka)—has officially launched and we’re expanding into select retailers and premium hospitality spaces. We’re also preparing to release two exciting line extensions: Awaken and Bliss, both crafted to complement different moods and moments.
Visit our website: www.drink-Nirvana.com
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back at the numerous lessons learned, I’d say the three qualities that have made the biggest impact on my journey are:
1. Resilience
Being a solo founder and a woman of color in the beverage industry requires the ability to keep going when the odds feel stacked against you. Rejection, slow progress, and navigating rooms where you’re the only one—all of it builds emotional muscle.
My advice: Don’t take “no” personally. Learn from it, adjust, and keep moving. Resilience isn’t about being unshaken, it’s about choosing to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
2. Resourcefulness
Launching Nirvana meant figuring things out with limited resources—licensing, production, compliance, branding—often all at once. I didn’t have a huge team or a trust fund, but I had the ability to ask questions, tap into my network, and learn quickly.
My advice: Treat every challenge as a classroom. Stay curious. Be willing to Google, ask, cold email, and take initiative. The answers are usually out there, what matters is how scrappy you’re willing to be to find them.
3. Vision
Having a strong “why” has grounded me through the highs and lows. I’m not just selling a drink—I’m building a brand that reflects wellness, representation, and freedom. That clarity fuels everything.
My advice: One of the most memorable lessons I learned from my mentor is to define your “why” early and revisit it often. When things get hard (and they will), your vision is what will keep you aligned, focused, and moving forward with purpose.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Three books that have deeply shaped my personal and professional growth are:
1. Long Walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela
This book taught me the power of patience, principle, and purpose. Mandela’s ability to stay rooted in vision despite unimaginable obstacles reminded me that leadership isn’t just about power—it’s about sacrifice, strategy, and service.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” That truth has carried me through uncertain seasons of entrepreneurship and helped me lead with both humility and strength.
2. Key Person of Influence – Daniel Priestley
This book helped shift my mindset from “operator” to visionary brand builder. It emphasized that in today’s world, success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how well you communicate your value, build authority, and create scalable impact.
“Don’t compete—create.” That pushed me to stop comparing myself to other brands and instead build something that only I could bring into the world: Nirvana, a brand rooted in my lived experience and values.
3. The Book of Philippians (Bible)
This book has been an anchor for me spiritually. In the ups and downs of launching a business, parenting, and navigating uncertainty, Philippians reminded me to lean into joy, gratitude, and faith over fear.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That verse fuels my resilience and reminds me that I’m never building alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drink-Nirvana.com
- Instagram: @drinknirvanaofficial
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/drinknirvana
- Other: tiktok: drink_nirvana
