What happens when a simple craving turns into a nationally recognized brand?

For Alejandro Lopez, it started with brunch. Frustrated by inconsistent Bloody Marys at restaurants, he began experimenting in his own kitchen – searching for the perfect mix. What began as a passion project quickly turned into Toma Beverage Company.

In this episode, Alejandro shares how he tackled product development and packaging challenges, why leaning into his Hispanic heritage became a turning point for the brand, and how selling on Amazon helped Toma survive and grow after he lost 60% of his business during COVID.

If you’re thinking about starting a business or figuring out how to adapt when everything changes, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, authenticity, and building a brand that connects with people.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Thisissmallbusiness

In this episode of This Is Small Business, you'll learn about:

(01:31) — What if your best business idea starts with a craving?

(04:33) — Do you really need to “go all in” or can you build slowly first?

(06:48) — Why leaning into your identity is a risk worth taking.

(12:34) — How Amazon can help you understand and grow your audience

(16:21) — What’s next for Toma and why authenticity is key to scaling.