We were lucky to catch up with Tony Reese recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tony, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It was during the pandemic—when the world slowed down, but our minds didn’t. Like everyone else, I was at home, connecting with friends virtually, laughing, pouring drinks, and realizing something: we were spending *a lot* on alcohol. And that’s when the thought hit me—why not own what I’m drinking?

I didn’t just want to drink someone else’s brand; I wanted to build my own. Something that could create real wealth—maybe even *generational* wealth. And let’s be honest, there’s always a market for spirits. People will always come together to celebrate and unwind. I had the idea before but just couldn’t find the right information to get going… but when I did and got into the research, I realized, I could do this. No need for perfect conditions, so I just jumped. A bird lands on a branch, but does it trust the branch or it’s wings knowing the branch could fall? I’ll either learn or I’ll win.

But if I was going to do this, I wanted it to *mean* something. I wanted a name that was unapologetically connected to Black culture—something that felt powerful, timeless, and cool without trying too hard. That’s where *Vibe Black* came from. The word “vibe” has always stood the test of time—just like “cool.” It’s a feeling, a frequency, a statement all by itself.

Then came the idea: what if the *liquor itself* was black? Bold, mysterious, and unlike anything else on the shelf. It wasn’t just about standing out—it was about *owning the space.* Making something that captured the richness and strength of our culture in both name and design. And in most cases of marketing, different is better than better.

So I started sketching ideas, saying the name out loud, listening for the rhythm. I wanted it to sound good rolling off a bartender’s tongue and from the person requesting it, to look sleek on the shelf, and to feel fresh in people’s hands. Something phonetically smooth, visually strong, and rooted in pride.

And that’s how Vibe Black Vodka was born—not from a business plan, but from a moment of clarity. It started with the idea of ownership, evolved into an expression of culture, and became a bold statement in a bottle.

Tony, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

This is a brand born out of creativity, culture, and the drive for ownership. My background is in **graphic design and marketing**, so I’ve always been passionate about bringing ideas to life visually and strategically. With my design and marketing experience, I had a clear vision of how to bring the concept to life. I could see the bottle before it even existed.

What sets Vibe Black apart is its authenticity and boldness. The liquor itself is black. I am creating a space for culture to shine in an industry where we’ve often been the consumers, not the creators.

Beyond the vodka, my creative work is rooted in **branding, storytelling, and visual identity**. I help ideas become experiences, whether through design, campaigns, or products. My focus is always on emotion — creating something that people can *feel*.

I’m most proud of building something from the ground up that reflects who I am and where I come from. I want every person who experiences the brand to feel that same energy.

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

When it came time to fund the vision, I made a bold decision: I used my 401K from my 9-to-5. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I believed in the idea enough to bet on myself. I figured if I could work every day building someone else’s dream, I could take that same energy — and that same investment — and build my own. That leap of faith was the turning point.

I’m most proud of turning an idea — funded by faith and my own hard-earned savings — into a brand that resonates with people. Vibe Black Vodka represents more than just a spirit. It’s about creating something from the ground up, taking risks, and showing others that ownership is possible when you believe in your vision enough to invest in it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Although it’s not very large, I built my audience on social media by focusing on real people, not models. From the beginning, I wanted my brand to feel authentic and relatable — like something made for us, by us. I wanted people to scroll through my content and see themselves, their friends, their energy.

To me, marketing isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about connection. That’s why I leaned into old-school R&B for my visuals and campaigns. There’s something about that nostalgia — it takes people back to a time that feels familiar and warm. Music has this incredible power to connect us, and I wanted that same energy to flow through Vibe Black Vodka.

I’ve always believed that when you truly know your audience, it’s easy to speak their language. You don’t have to force it — it just flows. My approach has always been to create content that feels genuine, that celebrates culture, and that reminds people we’re more alike than different.

That’s how the brand grew — not from a huge ad budget or big celebrity partnerships, but from a real connection with everyday people who caught the vibe and made it their own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vibeblackvodka.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibeblackvodka