Mara Smith is the Founder of Inspiro Tequila, a women-owned- and led clean, additive-free tequila brand. A former attorney and corporate strategist, she began her legal career at a large law firm in Chicago before joining the corporate strategy team at McDonald’s. Mara launched Inspiro Tequila to bring more female perspectives into the spirits industry.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [3:42] Why Mara Smith transitioned from law to the tequila industry
- [12:20] How Inspiro Tequila targets female consumers
- [14:31] The inspiration behind Inspiro’s Rosa Reposado and its unique aging process
- [16:57] What does it take to become a B Corp?
- [20:06] Mara talks about the Purple Bicycle Project and its mission to support female entrepreneurs
- [23:24] How Inspiro Connectors Connective fosters community
In this episode...
Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in breaking into male-dominated industries, but by amplifying their voices and championing each other, they can redefine entire markets. How can you foster systemic change to elevate opportunities for women?
Mara Smith, a former corporate attorney and strategist, founded Inspiro Tequila to disrupt the spirits industry by bringing more female voices to the forefront. Recognizing that women were a major segment of tequila consumers yet largely ignored by existing brands, she created a premium, additive-free tequila that speaks directly to them. Through initiatives like the Purple Bicycle Project and the Inspiro Connectors Collective, Mara uplifts female entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, funding, and community-building opportunities to support their journeys.
In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Mara Smith, the Founder of Inspiro Tequila, joins Andrea Heuston to discuss how she elevates women’s voices in the spirits industry. She shares her experience re-entering the workforce after 16 years, the challenges of launching a brand in a male-dominated space, and how to become a B Corp.
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Quotable Moments:
- “I didn’t see a brand that spoke to women — so I created one.”
- “Women make over 85% of purchasing decisions. It’s time brands reflect that.”
- “Success isn’t just about profit; it’s about impact and lifting others up.”
- “No one knows more about your business than you — own that confidence.”
- “We need more women at the table, in leadership, and on the shelves.”
Action Steps:
- Identify gaps in your industry: Research overlooked demographics and unmet needs to create a product or service that fills a genuine market void.
- Build with purpose and authenticity: Ensure your business aligns with your values, incorporates social impact, and remains true to the audience you serve.
- Create opportunities for underrepresented voices: Intentionally hire, mentor, and collaborate with women and diverse professionals to bring fresh perspectives into your industry.
- Leverage community and networking: Engage in organizations, pitch competitions, and mentorship programs to build a strong support system and elevate others along the way.
- Embrace adaptability and resilience: Challenges will arise, but staying flexible and mission-focused allows you to navigate setbacks and turn obstacles into opportunities.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.
They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.
To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.