News Summary
Greenville, SC, celebrates the launch of Six Nineteen of 1865, the first Black-woman-owned spirit brand in the city founded by entrepreneur Babette Jones. The launch event at Hyatt Regency highlighted Babette’s journey marked by personal challenges, innovative vision, and community impact. With ambitions for national distribution and a commitment to education through the Six Nineteen Foundation, Babette aims to empower local communities and inspire future generations.
Greenville Celebrates Launch of Six Nineteen of 1865
Exciting times are brewing in Greenville, South Carolina, as local entrepreneur Babette Jones puts her mark on the spirits industry with the launch of the city’s first-ever Black-woman-owned spirit brand, Six Nineteen of 1865. This innovative venture is also making headlines as the third Black-owned spirit brand in the entire state! With a launch party at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville on October 19, 2024, the excitement in the air was palpable as friends, family, and supporters gathered to toast to this momentous occasion.
Inspiration Born from Celebration
The inspiration for Six Nineteen of 1865 was born during a special trip to Hilton Head Island on June 19, 2022, where Babette and her friends tasted a delicious cocktail cleverly named “Juneteenth.” This joyful experience stirred Babette’s creative spirit, leading to the birth of her very own brand. Little did she know, it wouldn’t be long before that spark ignited a full-fledged entrepreneurial journey.
A Solid Foundation Rooted in Love and Loss
Throughout this journey, Babette endured personal trials, including the heartbreaking loss of her friend, Jimmie Flythe Jr., who passed away on February 13, 2023. His memory became a driving force behind Babette’s ambition, motivating her to push forward despite challenges. She aimed to create something meaningful and lasting, not just for herself but for the entire community.
Charting New Paths in Her Career
In April 2023, Babette made a significant career move by transitioning from her role as a major gift officer at Furman University to take on the senior director of development position at Greenville Technical College. Her time at Furman inspired her to explore further avenues of innovation and entrepreneurship, especially through the Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It was here that she got involved with the GVL Starts program, a platform designed to nurture new ventures in the local community.
A Winning Pitch and Financial Boost
In a twist of fate, Babette participated in a pitch competition as part of the GVL Starts program, and her excitement was contagious when she won a $5,000 grant! This funding provided her the crucial kickstart she needed to bring her brand vision to life. Overall, she successfully raised a whopping $90,000 in funding, which is a remarkable achievement for any startup!
Giving Back Through the Six Nineteen Foundation
It’s not just about launching a spirit brand for Babette; she’s also committed to making an impact through charitable efforts. On the day of the launch, Babette established the Six Nineteen Foundation, aimed at supporting philanthropic endeavors and education. Her mission is clear: to leave a legacy for future generations and work towards creating generational wealth in minority communities.
Where to Find Your Favorite Spirits
If you’re eager to try the fruits of Babette’s labor, you can currently find Six Nineteen at 19 Wine and Spirits on Verdae Boulevard. With ambitious plans for national distribution within the next year, it seems there’s no stopping Babette’s journey to share her unique flavor with spirit enthusiasts everywhere!
A Bright Future Ahead
Babette Jones is a force to be reckoned with, and she brings to the table a long-term vision for her brand and her life, exuding determination and resilience. As she steps boldly forward, it’s clear that Six Nineteen of 1865 is not just a business; it’s a movement, one that champions representation and empowers communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville, SC Expands Alcohol-Free Beverage Scene with New Mocktails
Greenville Tech Foundation Sets Scholarship Records
Edisto Island Families Revitalize Vintage Beach Cottage for Lasting Memories
Additional Resources
- Greenville Business Magazine: South Carolina Women in Business 2024
- Wikipedia: Women in Business
- Greenville Journal: Empowering South Carolina’s Small Businesses
- Google Search: South Carolina small businesses
- Greenville Online: News Updates from Greenville Area Businesses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: News
- Miami Herald: Article on Small Businesses
- Google News: Black-owned businesses
- Greenville Business Magazine: Honoring Black Entrepreneurs
- Google Scholar: African American entrepreneurs
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
