Babette B. Jones’ Story - Voyage South Carolina Magazine

CEO Babette B. Jones was interviewed by Voyage South Carolina Magazine about Six Nineteen Spirits of 1865, and more. Snippets of the article follow below, but be sure to read the entire article from the source.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Babette B. Jones

Hi Babette B., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

**The Story of Six Nineteen 1865 Spirits**

Six Nineteen 1865 Spirits was born out of a deep desire to honor history, celebrate resilience, and bring people together through the shared experience of premium cocktails and mocktails. Inspired by the significance of Juneteenth—June 19, 1865—the day when news of freedom finally reached enslaved African Americans in Texas, the brand seeks to embody unity, hope, and excellence for EVERYONE!!

Our journey gained significant momentum in 2023 when I was selected among 27 entrepreneurs and innovators to participate in the Hill Institute for Entrepreneurs and Innovators at Furman University. Over an intensive 8-week boot camp, I refined my business concept and prepared to bring it to life. Out of the 27 participants, I was honored to be chosen as one of five finalists to pitch my idea to the community, including investors, venture capitalists, and angel investors. On October 19, 2023, I proudly won the product category, validating the potential of Six Nineteen Spirits.

On October 19, 2024, we celebrated an extraordinary milestone by launching our premium line of cocktails and mocktails during a grand event at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville. Over 900 guests joined us in this celebration, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter.

That same evening, we launched the Six Nineteen Foundation 1865, our philanthropic arm dedicated to pouring back into the community. This foundation is focused on supporting entrepreneurs, innovators, and students by providing awards, scholarships, and resources to help build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

With our first production run completed, we are now engaging with distributors and working diligently to have Six Nineteen Spirits available in stores by the first quarter of next year. The journey has been one of passion, purpose, and perseverance, and we look forward to continuing to make an impact through our brand and foundation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The journey of Six Nineteen 1865 Spirits has been anything but smooth—filled with bumps, roadblocks, and the occasional scrape along the way. Like any ambitious venture, we’ve faced challenges that tested our resolve. However, through the unwavering dedication of our co-founders, investors, and my incredible partner, we’ve managed to navigate each obstacle and emerge stronger on the other side.

One of the key factors in overcoming these challenges has been the support of an extraordinary team. From our flavor house and co-manufacturer to our attorneys and consultants, we’ve been blessed to work with industry veterans who bring over 20 years of experience in the beverage world. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in turning our vision into reality.

Each step forward has been a testament to the power of collaboration, determination, and faith in the process. Despite the difficulties, we’ve stayed true to our mission of creating a brand that celebrates history, unity, and excellence—and the journey continues to inspire us every day.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I’m Babette B. Jones, the proud owner and founder of Six Nineteen 1865 Spirits, LLC, based in Greenville, SC. As the first known minority woman liquor brand owner in the area, my journey is deeply rooted in a passion for creating something meaningful and transformative. Six Nineteen Spirits is more than just a product; it’s a celebration of history, culture, and unity, inspired by the historical significance of Juneteenth, it’s a movement to bring people from all walks of like together.

At Six Nineteen, we specialize in premium cocktails and mocktails designed to bring people together from all walks of life. Our Ruby Red Tequila pays homage to the historical tradition of red drinks, symbolizing resilience and perseverance. Beyond the product itself, we are committed to creating a brand that fosters a sense of community, excellence, and celebration.

What makes us unique is our unwavering dedication to merging history with innovation. Six Nineteen Spirits is not just a drink; it’s a movement—a way to connect, reflect, and celebrate together. Our commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from the carefully crafted flavors to the passion of the team behind the scenes. We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with a network of seasoned professionals, including flavor houses, co-manufacturers, attorneys, and consultants, each bringing decades of expertise to the table.

One of my proudest moments was launching the Six Nineteen Foundation 1865, the philanthropic arm of our brand. This foundation was created to pour back into the community, supporting entrepreneurs, students, and innovators through scholarships, awards, and resources. The impact we aim to make through this foundation represents everything I’ve ever wanted for Six Nineteen—to inspire and uplift others.

I am a proud entrepreneur, fundraiser, and philanthropist who believes in the power of bringing people together. I thrive on developing new ventures, meeting people, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. I’m inspired by the resilience of history and am deeply motivated to ensure that Six Nineteen 1865 Spirits is a symbol of unity and excellence—not just a drink, but an experience.

Through Six Nineteen 1865 Spirits, I aim to leave a legacy that celebrates freedom, diversity, and innovation while fostering a community of dreamers and changemakers. My vision is to make Six Nineteen the most wanted cocktail in the world and establish it as a daily celebration of life, history, love and togetherness.