Ep. 28 Mara Smith, the founder of Inspiro Tequila, shares her journey from being a lawyer, to being a stay-at-home mom for 16 years and then starting her own tequila brand. She discusses the challenges of entering a highly regulated industry and the importance of staying true to her vision. Mara also highlights the lack of representation of women in the tequila industry and how she is working to change that by creating a brand that appeals to female consumers. The episode explores the process of tequila production, the significance of being a B Corp, and the Purple Bicycle Project, which supports female founders.

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode sponsors: Salena’s, Marshall Street, Union Tavern

 Focus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19

Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 

Produced by JazzCast Pros

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction with Kelly Metras and Kelly Bush

0:03:19 Welcome Mara Smith

0:04:12 Mara's background as a lawyer and the challenge of balancing big law firm life with having a family

0:06:06 Mara's focus on job security, which led to her transition to corporate strategy

0:07:57 Career pause due to pregnancy and bedrest

0:09:37 Learning flexibility and adaptability from parenting and its connection to running a startup

0:11:01 Choosing tequila as a consumer product and addressing the market opportunity for women

0:13:35 Overcoming challenges as women in male-dominated industries

0:16:36 Navigating the strict regulations and requirements of tequila production

0:18:41 Building an all-female team, including a master distiller, to bring the vision to life

0:20:01 Finding the master distiller, Anna Maria Romero, through research and a shared vision

0:21:06 The importance of the aroma wheel in tequila production and taste profiles

0:22:45 Issues with production and first batch

0:25:02 Tequila production process and the importance of fermentation

0:27:23 Aging tequila in rosé wine barrels and the unique taste profile of reposado from wine barrel aging

0:29:37 Possibility of a limited release añejo

0:30:48 Time-intensive process and aging requirements for different tequila types

0:32:20 Discussion on inspiring entrepreneurship in a highly regulated industry

0:44:20 B Corp certification requires transparency and extensive documentation

0:45:49 The importance of supporting women business owners

0:47:48 Discussion on being called "bossy" as a woman business owner and Mara's expertise in contracts and high-level strategy

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