On this episode of Intentionality with Dominique, Dominique Simpson Milton sits down with Toni Gilliard, founder of Resort Beverages, to discuss the strategy, persistence, and operational excellence required to successfully launch and scale a consumer packaged goods brand in the highly competitive beverage industry.
Toni shares how she transformed an idea into a nationally distributed beverage brand, bringing her first product to market in record time while navigating product development, packaging design, manufacturing, co-packing, distribution, and regulatory compliance. She provides an inside look at the complexities of building a beverage company, from managing supply chains and negotiating with co-packers, to securing retail placement and scaling strategically.
The conversation also explores the evolution of Resort Beverages’ innovative dual-use cocktail and mocktail mixers, designed to serve both drinkers and non-drinkers with one versatile product. Toni explains how understanding consumer behavior, protecting intellectual property, building strong industry relationships, and remaining intentional throughout the entrepreneurial journey have been critical to her success.
Sponsored by the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC or The Council), this episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, consumer product founders, and business owners looking to learn practical strategies for launching products, managing growth, building resilient supply chains, and creating brands that stand out in competitive markets.
