Leading with Spirit: A Peek into the Life of a Woman Business Owner in the Spirits World

Being a woman at the helm of a cocktail company in 2026 isn't always what people expect, but then again, Meyer Cocktail Co. has never been about doing things the "expected" way.

When people think of the spirits industry, they often conjure up images of old-school boardrooms or dark, dusty distilleries. But when we look at our business, we see something entirely different. We see heritage, we see hospitality, and most importantly, we see a community of people who just want to share a really great drink with the people they love.

Taking the lead as a woman in this space has been a journey of finding a balance between honoring the past and fearlessly building the future. It’s about more than just "selling bottles." It’s about crafting an experience that fits into your life, whether you’re hosting a massive backyard bash or just relaxing after a long Tuesday.

The Vision from Day One

When we first sat down to map out what Meyer Cocktail Co. would become, the vision was remarkably clear. We wanted to bottle the feeling of a classic Wisconsin supper club, that effortless, welcoming, "pull up a chair" vibe, and make it accessible to everyone.

We didn’t start small, but we did start focused. Our initial lineup was a deliberate "core five": our three Ready-to-Drink (RTD) classics , the Bourbon Sour, the Whiskey Sour, and the Brandy Sweet , along with our signature Old Fashioned Mix and our rich Demerara Syrup.

From the very beginning, the plan was never to just "set it and forget it." We always intended to expand every single one of those lines. Why? Because we believe that quality shouldn't be limited to one category. If you love our Old Fashioned Mix, we want to give you the syrups to experiment with your own creations. If you love the convenience of our RTDs, we want to provide new flavors that keep your bar cart exciting.

Managing the Growth (and the Chaos)

Scaling a business while maintaining the integrity of the product is a delicate dance. As the owner, I spend a lot of time asking one simple question: Does this feel like us?

If the answer isn't a resounding yes, we don’t do it.

Managing a growing product line means keeping a lot of plates spinning. One day, we’re looking at the labels for our new syrup variations; the next, we’re discussing the logistics of our one-gallon jugs for high-volume bars and events. It’s a lot to juggle , especially when you’re committed to the idea that every batch needs to taste exactly like it came from our family kitchen.

And yes : there are challenges. Innovation isn’t without its hiccups. Sometimes a supply chain issue throws a wrench in our bottling schedule, or a new recipe needs twenty more tweaks than we anticipated. But we’ve learned that the "pivot" is just as important as the plan.

Leading in a "Man’s World"

It’s no secret that the spirits world has historically been a bit of a boys' club. When we first started showing up at industry events, there were moments where I could feel the invisible "standard" being applied. Are we serious enough? Do we know our flavor profiles? Is this just a "hobby" or a real business?

The answer is simple: we’re as serious as it gets.

Being a woman business owner in this space means you have to work twice as hard to be seen, but you also get the opportunity to bring a perspective that is often missing. We focus heavily on the hospitality side of cocktails. We think about the person at home who wants to be a great host but doesn't have time to spend twenty minutes muddling fruit for one drink. We think about the aesthetic of the bottle on the shelf and the ease of the pour.

We’ve found that by staying grounded in our values and just showing up: ready to go, every single day, the "gender gap" in the industry starts to matter a lot less. Our products speak for themselves. When someone tastes our Brandy Sweet or uses our Demerara Syrup to elevate their morning coffee (trust us, it’s a game changer), they aren’t thinking about who’s in the CEO chair. They’re thinking about how good the drink is.

Scaling with Soul

As we look ahead, the goal is growth, but not at the cost of our soul.

What does that look like in practice? It means that even as we move toward larger distributions and bigger partnerships, we still keep our standards personal. We’re not interested in cutting corners to save a few cents on ingredients. If we use real clove and orange in our Old Fashioned Mix, we’re going to keep using real clove and orange, whether we’re making ten cases or ten thousand.

We’ve also learned that scaling means building a team that shares the vision. As a woman leader, I’ve found so much strength in surrounding myself with people who aren’t afraid to challenge ideas and who bring their own "spirit" to the table. Whether it’s family members or new additions to the Meyer Cocktail Co. crew, it’s the people who make this journey possible.

The Personal Side of the Business

People often ask me how I balance running a cocktail brand with personal and family life. The honest answer? The lines are very, very blurry.

Meyer Cocktail Co. is a family brand at its heart. Our "behind the scenes" isn't just spreadsheets and logistics; it’s Sunday dinners where we’re testing a new recipe or discussing label designs over a bowl of pasta. My family is my sounding board, my toughest critics, and my biggest cheerleaders.

There’s a certain kind of vulnerability that comes with putting your family name on a bottle. Every time a customer buys a bottle of our Simple Syrup or picks up a gift box, they’re taking a piece of our history home with them. That’s a responsibility I don't take lightly.

Lessons from the Lab (and the Office)

If I could go back to the version of myself that was just starting this company, I’d tell her a few things:

1. Trust your palate. If something doesn't taste right to you, it won't taste right to your customers. Don't let "industry standards" talk you out of your intuition.
2. Celebrate the small wins. Getting into a new liquor store or receiving a glowing email from a customer who loved their party punch: those are the moments that fuel the long nights.
3. Stay curious. The cocktail world is constantly evolving. Whether it's a new way to use Demerara or a shift in how people are entertaining at home, stay open to the change.
4. Heritage is your superpower. Use it. Don't try to be "corporate" if you're actually "family-owned." People crave authenticity.

Looking Ahead

As we turn the page into the rest of 2026, I’m more excited than ever. We have big plans for all of our lines. We’re deep in development for new additions to the RTD family, and we’re exploring ways to make our mixers even more versatile for the home mixologist.

To the women out there thinking about jumping into a "crowded" industry: do it. Bring your perspective, your standards, and your heart. The world doesn't need another generic brand; it needs your specific vision.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Whether you’ve been with us since we had our first five products or you’re just discovering us today, we’re so glad you’re here.

Raising a glass to leadership, legacy, and the perfect cocktail.

Cheri