Nayana Ferguson - The Bold Maven™️

Nayana Ferguson is the Co-Founder of Anteel Tequila and the first Black woman to own and lead a multiple award-winning tequila brand. A Detroit native and two-time cancer survivor, Nayana built Anteel Tequila from the ground up despite having no prior experience in the spirits industry. Since its launch in 2018, Anteel Tequila has won 117 awards and been featured in major outlets like Forbes and Essence. Nayana is also a national advocate for pancreatic cancer awareness and co-founder of Curious Inception, a consulting company helping aspiring entrepreneurs. In addition to her business ventures, she is a motivational speaker, wife, mother, and grandmother who uses her platforms to inspire people around the world as a national advocate for cancer, a business mentor and inspirational speaker for others to create their legacy.

Q: What led you down the path to making your own tequila?

A: It truly goes back to my husband. When we met and were dating he was what I called at the time, a ‘tequila snob’ and because I’m a pancreatic cancer survivor, I’m pre diabetic, so I need to eat mostly like I’m diabetic. There are sugars in most wine so my body can’t really tolerate too much of that so in dating him I started researching tequila. Together we started talking about having a tequila brand and researching more about it. I’m not a doctor, but it’s good to know what you’re putting into your body and if you choose to imbibe in spirits, then I truly believe you should research and know what you’re what you’re putting into your body. In our research we found that the natural sugars from the agave plant are recognized by our body so they are digested with no issue. Tequila doesn’t have all those sugars and carbs that a lot of other spirits have. I don’t add sugar to my tequila. It truly became a labor of love because I basically made a tequila I can drink with ease. For me, it’s ultimately about educating the public and our consumers about becoming more health conscious about what they’re eating and drinking. They say if you can’t find it, make it yourself.

Q: What does it mean for you to be the first Black woman-owner of a tequila brand?

A: I actually got a proclamation from the city of Atlanta two years ago when I moved here for being a pioneer in the spirits industry, but also for being an entrepreneur and a businesswoman. I think for me it is very rewarding to be able to say that, while I’m hopefully inspiring and motivating other women, especially Black women, to go after their goals and the dreams that they have.

We believe that everyone has a legacy within them. One of our taglines for our tequila brand is, Create Your Legacy, because we truly believe that everyone has a legacy within them. They have something to offer to the world. We also have another tagline that says, Live Significantly, because even though I’ve been through cancer challenges, I still live every day with some sort of significance while making sure that I am enjoying this journey. I’m also making sure that I’m helping along the way. Making sure that I am giving back to my communities by either motivating, inspiring and supporting. I also value being a mentor as well to young women leaders. That is something that is very close to my heart. So on a daily basis I’m always trying to be my best.

Q: What is your biggest dream for Anteel Tequila?

A: My biggest dream and goal is to be a nationally recognized tequila brand. While we’re recognized in 20 states, we want to be a nationally recognized tequila and for people to understand and know that a Black woman is leading the brand to that national recognition. There are some other Black women in the tequila space, but there are only a couple of us and there needs to be more because we all have something different to offer to the consumer. The recipes for our tequilas are different and unique, therefore, I truly feel like there should be more women of color in this space.

Q: Who or what is your biggest motivator right now?

A: My motivator is truly me. More often than not, I’m competing against myself every day. I try to make each day better than the last but I am also human and work to create a balance in my life with the many things that I need to do. I falter in many ways and in many things because there’s so much to do. I would also say that my daughters, who are 16-years old and 28-years old are my biggest motivators, as I know they are watching everything that I do. My 16-year old lives with me and is seeing the challenges I face every day, but she’s also seeing the great experiences that I’m having so it motivates me to continue on and be the best that I can be.

Q: What is next for Nayana and Anteel Tequila?

A: World domination! I will continue to work on Anteel Tequila, but I will also continue to work on my inspirational speaking, as I am paid to speak at conferences and events about having faith in self and having a great mindset to get you through life and business challenges.

I will continue my story with being a national advocate for Pancreatic Cancer. I have been in a commercial and have spoken in front of Congress for the Pancreatic Cancer Network, so I will continue to share my story for awareness and hope, especially in Black and Brown communities. As those communities do not know that there are resources and support available for pancreatic cancer, I hope my story, as an almost 19 year pancreatic cancer survivor will offer hope. My goal is always to give hope, support and awareness to people going through pancreatic cancer and their families. I feel that my purpose in life is to inspire, motivate and give hope to those that I meet.

Stay connected to Nayana Ferguson: