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April 01 Career Change: They both have degrees in STEM and launched their premium vodka-based drink brand.

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Taia Rashid and Daphne Carter.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight the entrepreneurial journey of Taia Rashid and Daphne Carter, co-founders of Cassie Beverage, a premium vodka-based drink brand. The interview explores their inspiration, challenges as Black women in a male-dominated liquor industry, and their commitment to quality and authenticity.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Founders’ Background & Bond

Taia and Daphne met as dance moms in Houston, Texas.
Their friendship grew through shared experiences at dance competitions.
Their cocktail-making hobby evolved into a business idea.

2. Cassie Beverage Origins

Inspired by family traditions involving alcohol (moonshine and wine coolers).
The brand name “Cassie” is a blend of their last names.
Their products include Daphne Limoncello and Daphne Berrycello.

3. Business Launch & Support

The idea was sparked during a trip to the Amalfi Coast.
Their husbands, both entrepreneurs, helped launch the business and provided initial capital.
They entered a white male-dominated industry with determination and humility, seeking mentorship and doing extensive research.

4. Commitment to Quality

Their drinks use natural ingredients like fresh lemon juice and cane sugar.
They resisted pressure to use cheaper alternatives like concentrates or preservatives.
Their goal: create a premium product they’re proud to consume themselves.

5. Challenges in the Liquor Industry

High startup costs and tight margins.
Strategic decisions around packaging, pricing, and market positioning.
Balancing premium quality with affordability for consumers.

6. Academic & Professional Backgrounds

Daphne: Advanced degrees in chemistry and mathematics; former charter school executive and state superintendent.
Taia: Degree in chemical engineering; worked for Frito-Lay and later became a stay-at-home mom.

7. Empowerment & Representation

They emphasized the importance of supporting women, especially in non-traditional roles like bartending and mixology.
Encouraged others to pivot careers and pursue passions regardless of societal expectations.
Advocated for creating space at the table when none is offered.

8. Community Impact

A caller shared how the interview inspired her to support her daughter’s bartending career.
The founders responded with encouragement and emphasized redefining success beyond traditional roles.

💬 Notable Quotes

“We found the perfect cocktail—the cure was liquor. A cup of joy.”
“We wanted something of quality that we could stand proud of.”
“If there’s no room at the table, bring a folding chair.”
“Your degrees give you soft skills—you can pivot and do whatever you want.”
“We’re winning because we’re doing something we love, even with the struggles.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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