We were lucky to catch up with Teddy Jasper recently and have shared our conversation below.

Teddy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Shadow Tequila’s mission is all about resilience, discovery, and community, and it means the world to me because it mirrors my own journey and the spirit of our brand.

Growing up, I faced plenty of challenges and uncertainties. But those tough times taught me to push through and keep striving for something amazing. Shadow Tequila is a reflection of that journey. It’s proof that no matter where you start, with enough passion and determination, you can create something extraordinary.

Our mission isn’t just about making high-quality tequila. It’s about crafting a legacy of exploration and individuality. We want Shadow Tequila to be more than a drink – we want it to be an experience that brings people together, encourages them to explore new horizons, and celebrates their unique paths. This mission resonates deeply with Millennials, who are at the heart of our brand, and who value authenticity, quality, and innovation just like we do.

Millennials are driving the premium tequila market, and Shadow Tequila is crafted with them in mind. We aim to be a brand that reflects their values and lifestyles. Inclusivity is a big part of our mission – we want everyone to feel welcome to enjoy our tequila, no matter who they are or where they come from. This isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a personal commitment to fostering a community where everyone can celebrate their achievements with a glass of Shadow Tequila.

We also believe in daring to be different. We embrace our unique voice and stand out from the crowd, much like how I’ve navigated my own life and career. By challenging the status quo and defying expectations, we empower our customers to embark on their own adventures, making every sip of Shadow Tequila a part of their journey.

In a nutshell, Shadow Tequila’s mission is meaningful to me because it’s a story of perseverance, discovery, and community. It’s about creating a product that not only delights the senses but also inspires our customers to live boldly and authentically. This mission is the heartbeat of everything we do, driving us to create unforgettable experiences and timeless memories for everyone who joins us on this journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Teddy Jasper, and my journey into the tequila industry is as much a tale of passion as it is one of resilience.

I didn’t start in the world of spirits. My background is in global talent acquisition and business strategy. Over the years, I honed my skills in various industries, working on optimizing operations, improving processes, and driving growth. However, my entrepreneurial spirit always nudged me towards creating something of my own, something that would combine my love for quality, tradition, and innovation.

Shadow Tequila was born out of this dream. Together with my partner, Tiara Jasper, we wanted to create a tequila that stands for excellence and embodies the spirit of discovery. Our tequila is crafted in the Jalisco Valley by one of the top-ranked distilleries, ensuring every bottle is of unparalleled quality. We offer three main products: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. Each type of tequila is meticulously crafted to deliver a unique and exceptional experience, whether you’re savoring it neat, in a cocktail, or sharing it with friends.

Our mission goes beyond making great tequila. We aim to solve a few key problems for our customers. Firstly, we address the need for high-quality, authentic tequila that doesn’t compromise on flavor or craftsmanship. Our customers can trust that every sip of Shadow Tequila is a step into the rich heritage of Mexican tequila-making, combined with modern precision and care.

What sets us apart from others is our dedication to inclusivity and community. We believe in creating a brand that everyone can enjoy, no matter their background. This commitment to diversity and self-expression is reflected in everything we do, from our marketing campaigns to our community engagement efforts. We strive to be more than just a brand; we want to be a part of our customers’ journeys, helping them celebrate their milestones and create unforgettable memories.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve built Shadow Tequila from the ground up, especially during challenging times. Launching and growing an e-commerce business in the health and beauty industry gave us valuable insights into connecting with our audience and building a loyal customer base. We’ve applied those lessons to Shadow Tequila, creating a brand that resonates deeply with Millennials and beyond.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Shadow Tequila is all about quality, community, and authenticity. We’re here to offer you a premium tequila experience that stands out in a crowded market. Our journey is one of passion and perseverance, and we’re excited to share it with you. Every bottle of Shadow Tequila is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our belief in celebrating life’s moments, big and small.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We hope that Shadow Tequila becomes a part of your journey, adding a touch of quality and celebration to your special moments.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My cofounder and business partner, Tiara Jasper, is not just my business partner—she’s my sister and my best friend. Our journey together has been deeply personal, shaped by our shared experiences growing up in a tough neighborhood.

Tiara and I grew up facing the same challenges and struggles. Our neighborhood was marked by hardship, and we often had to navigate difficult circumstances. But these experiences only strengthened our bond and fueled our determination to create a better future for ourselves and our family. We always dreamed of making a difference, not just for ourselves but for our community and those who come after us.

From a young age, Tiara and I were each other’s support system. We shared dreams, encouraged each other, and always believed that together, we could overcome any obstacle. Our journey into the tequila industry was born out of this shared resolve. We wanted to create something that not only reflected our values but also offered a sense of pride and accomplishment for our family.

Shadow Tequila is a testament to our journey and our commitment to excellence. We set out to create a product that embodies quality and authenticity, something that stands out and makes a statement. Our tequila is crafted with the finest agave from the Jalisco Valley, ensuring every bottle is a true representation of the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Mexican tequila.

Working with Tiara has been an incredible experience. Our shared background and deep understanding of each other have been crucial in building Shadow Tequila from the ground up. We complement each other perfectly, and our combined efforts have helped us navigate the challenges of creating a premium brand.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve managed to turn our dreams into reality, despite the odds. Growing up, we didn’t have much, but we had each other and a shared vision. Shadow Tequila is more than just a business for us—it’s a symbol of our resilience and our commitment to making a positive impact.

For us, Shadow Tequila is a way to give back and create something lasting. We want our brand to inspire others who come from similar backgrounds, showing them that with determination and hard work, they too can achieve great things. Our journey is a testament to the power of family, perseverance, and the belief that you can create your own path, no matter where you start.

In essence, Tiara and I set out to make a difference for our family, and through Shadow Tequila, we’re doing just that. Our brand is a celebration of our bond, our shared experiences, and our unwavering commitment to excellence. Every bottle of Shadow Tequila tells the story of our journey, and we’re excited to share it with the world.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding Shadow Tequila was an intense and personal journey. When Tiara and I decided to start this business, we knew it was going to be a challenging road ahead. But our belief in our vision was unwavering, and we were ready to take significant risks to bring it to life.

Growing up in a neighborhood where financial resources were limited, Tiara and I learned the importance of hard work and determination. We didn’t have wealthy investors or a financial safety net. Instead, we had our savings and an unshakeable belief in what we wanted to achieve.

I, Teddy Jasper, made the bold decision to empty my savings and bet it all on our vision for Shadow Tequila. It wasn’t an easy decision. Years of hard-earned money were on the line, but I knew that without taking this leap, our dream would remain just that—a dream. This decision wasn’t just about financial investment; it was a statement of commitment and belief in what we were creating.

To supplement our savings, we looked for other sources of funding. We reached out to our friends and family, sharing our vision and the potential we saw in Shadow Tequila. Their belief in us was overwhelming. They supported us not only financially but also morally, helping us push through the tough times.

We also applied for small business loans and grants. The process was rigorous and required us to prove our business plan and potential. We faced many rejections, but we kept pushing forward. Finally, securing a grant specifically for minority-owned businesses was a game-changer. It provided us with the additional boost we needed to get our operations up and running.

Throughout this period, we were incredibly frugal and strategic about our spending. Every dollar was carefully allocated to ensure it had the maximum impact. We focused on sourcing the best agave, perfecting our distillation process, and creating a brand that would resonate with our audience.

Betting everything on our vision was a risky move, but it was one I was willing to take. It wasn’t just about making a financial investment—it was about fully committing to our dream and showing our community that we believed in our potential.

Today, Shadow Tequila stands as a testament to that bold decision. It’s a product of hard work, resilience, and the unwavering support of those around us. Emptying my savings to fund this venture was one of the scariest yet most rewarding decisions of my life. It proved that with enough passion and determination, you can turn even the boldest dreams into reality.

Our journey with Shadow Tequila is a story of taking risks, believing in ourselves, and the power of community support. It’s a reminder that sometimes, betting it all on your vision is the key to achieving something truly extraordinary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shadowtequila.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowtequila
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadowtequila
• Linkedin: Shadow Tequila
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/shadowtequila
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shadowtequila

Image Credits

www.instagram.com/madebyglyde