Greenville Welcomes Six Nineteen Spirits: A Toast to Community and Creativity
In the heart of Greenville, a new venture is set to shake up the local scene! Women’s empowerment, community spirit, and delicious cocktails are all rolled into one with the launch of Six Nineteen Spirits, the Upstate’s first Black woman-owned spirits brand. Babette Jones, the passionate founder, is excited to introduce a line of ready-to-drink canned cocktails and mocktails aimed at bringing friends and communities together, all while giving back.
A Spirited Launch
With a breezy forecast calling for abundant sunshine and a comfortable high of 79°F, it’s safe to say that good vibes are in the air as Jones preps for the highly anticipated launch. You can feel her energy bounce off her as she juggles multiple roles – an Allstate insurance agent, a senior director at the Greenville Tech Foundation, and now, an entrepreneur in the spirits industry. It truly is fascinating to see how she transitions so effortlessly from one responsibility to another.
From Inspiration to Creation
Jones’ journey began with a heartfelt moment. It was a gathering in Hilton Head in 2022 when her dear friend Charles Anderson Jr. crafted a delicious rum cocktail for friends. The cocktail, which later inspired Six Nineteen, serves as a nod to Juneteenth, the day celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Jones emphasized, “It’s a very overpopulated space but very underrepresented,” referring to the spirits industry and its demographics.
Behind the Scenes
Although starting a cocktail brand wasn’t initially on her agenda, Jones’ entrepreneurial spirit began to bubble up over time. After exploring multiple career paths and businesses, including opening The Lollipop Shop in downtown Greenville, she found herself feeling a familiar tug to innovate once again. But it wasn’t until she faced a deep personal loss—losing her friend Jimmie Flythe Jr.—that she realized the true potential of her group’s cocktail experience.
At a recent gathering to celebrate Flythe’s daughter’s graduation, Anderson prepared his renowned cocktail for the crowd, and that’s when the spark ignited for Jones. “He served it to about 80-plus people and they fell in love with it,” she recalls, noting how the experience sparked the idea to turn this delicious drink into something greater.
A Mission Beyond the Cocktail
As she laid the groundwork for Six Nineteen Spirits, Jones wanted to ensure that her brand had a purpose. Alongside the cocktails—which currently include tantalizing flavors like coconut rum and grapefruit agave—there’s a mission to create a greater impact. The Six Nineteen Foundation will provide $5,000 scholarships and grants for students and aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those seeking to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like her own alma mater, Benedict College. “Our mission is to help students and entrepreneurs and philanthropists help make our world better,” says Jones, summing up her vision beautifully.
Looking Ahead
As she gears up for the year’s end rollout, the excitement is palpable. By late 2024, you should be able to find Six Nineteen Spirits sparkle in local retail outlets. With the combination of refreshing beverages, a strong community mission, and Jones’ relentless passion, this venture is bound to make waves not just in Greenville, but across South Carolina.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a fun and flavorful drink, keep an eye out for Six Nineteen Spirits. Whether it’s a cocktail to help celebrate life’s moments or a mocktail to sip while enjoying the sunshine, Babette Jones has you covered, all while truly embodying the spirit of community.
