Before starting Black Momma Vodka and Black Momma Tea, Vanessa managed construction and engineering contracts worth over 350 million for NY State government prior to her retirement from Engineering & Construction. 

She was awarded as the First African American Woman Master Distiller and Master Blender in the USA by the New York State Proclamation by the Legislator, 16th District.  She owns 100% of the distillery, manufacturing facility and a 15 acre farm grow house.  Clients include the Marine Corps MWR, US Embassy in Moscow, US Embassy of Columbia, US Embassy of Libya & the American Embassy of Lome.