You never know where your next big idea will come from.
For Wayne and Renee Jordan, their version of “adult candy” started out at a party. The premise? Two of everyone’s favorite things: Candy and alcohol.
Drunken Fruit was born.
Drunken Fruit is certified organic fruit that is aged in our own proprietary blend of alcohol. The product’s uniqueness lies in its versatility. Drunken Fruit can be coupled with wine or champagne or used as a dessert topping, and it makes great cocktails.
Get to know Drunken Fruit through its founders, Wayne and Renee Jordan.
What year were you founded?
2006.
What inspired you to launch your business?
Years ago, I created my first batch for a Super Bowl Party. We were pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction from family and friends, who continued to request the fruit at each subsequent get-together. We encourage and support entrepreneurship and realized that this was an opportunity to bring an old idea with a new and innovative twist to the masses.
What makes your product unique?
The product’s uniqueness lies in its versatility. Drunken Fruit can be coupled with wine or champagne, used as a dessert topping or ingredient in any meal, makes great cocktails, is the perfect night cap or gift, and much more.
Why should everyone #buyblack this holiday season?
Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, we have watched the black community patronize restaurants, hardware stores, retail stores, bakeries, butchers, medical offices and pharmacies in communities that to some extent expressed vitriol and intolerance towards it. We feel that intellectual innovation and economic power has proven through history to be a force to be reckoned with when you choose not to do business with specific entities because of their proclivities. We strengthen our community by spending our dollars within, thereby affecting change in sentiment, treatment and level of respect by others. Also, the black entrepreneur provides original and diverse products and services to the market.
How do you pay it forward within your community?
By mentoring and teaching young people of color about everyday life, urging them to cultivate and build relationships, encouraging them to complete their education, enlightening them about history and culture, motivating them to be original thinkers, and helping them to visualize a successful future and work towards it, while stressing discipline, exercise and proper diet.
What is your business mantra?
Brooklyn, born, created and based.
Kimberly Wilson is a writer and social media director at theGrio. Follow her on Twitter.