Republic Restoratives Two Women with A Dream
Story: Republic Restoratives is the first woman owned distillery in D.C. Pia Carusone and Rachel Gardner were determined to start a distillery in the D.C. area but they could not get a traditional bank loan because of their lack of experience. So, in true D.C. fashion, they went to the people, posting a 30-day Indiegogo campaign earning over $100,000. As the people had spoken their dream became a reality in 2016 Republic Restoratives opened its doors.
Visiting the distillery, I was struck not only by the achievement of these ladies but their contributions to the local community. Their logo is the American Sign Language (ASL) symbol meaning R in support of the local deaf University (Gallaudet University). They are also working to provide tours in ASL. If that wasn’t enough these ladies supporting other female leaders. By donating their proceeds from their Rodham Rye to support women running for political office.
These ladies inspired me to work on my own project supporting women in the whiskey community. In my travels across the country I have discovered how few women work in the whiskey community. Rachel Gardner was kind enough to support my efforts conduct an email interview. I wanted to spread their story and inspire women in the industry, just like their efforts inspired me!
What is your favorite part of working in the whiskey industry?
I love to make things. When spirit goes into the barrel it is like a happy goodbye. You know you will see it again and it will be completely different from when you first met. Like sending a kid off to college, you know you have done everything to prepare it for what’s next and now you just have to let time work its magic and be patient.
What convinced you to start a distillery?
Pia and I always wanted to have a factory of some kind and we are passionate about bourbon. I like systems and operations and working with my hands. Going home sore and tired at the end of every day makes you feel like you have really done something. Pia loves building brands that connect with what people really care about and here at Republic Restoratives that means community and a sense of belonging.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome as females working in the industry?
Just getting people to listen and take us seriously. It’s pretty common to have people scan a room and seek out the man with the biggest presence or deepest voice, assuming he is the boss. We are lucky to have some incredible men on our team who recognize when we are being overlooked in a conversation because of our gender. We are the bosses here, but part of making our team successful is making sure everyone’s voice gets heard.
What advice would you offer to other women looking to work in the whiskey industry?
Own your ideas, never hesitate to ask questions and trust yourself when you know you are right. People passionate about what they do want to talk about it, geek out and share it with the world.
What inspired the Rodham Rye? How much money has been donated from the proceeds? Rodham Rye was originally intended to honor our first female president, and when November 8th didn’t give us the results we had hoped for we did some soul searching and realized that the brand was more important than ever. We took the opportunity to pay homage to the women in our lives that have inspired us and we hope Rodham Rye reminds all women of their crucial role in building our society. To date, our supporters have donated over $8,000 to EMILY’S list helping us to help women run for public office. Let’s keep it up!
If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice what would it be?
I would tell myself not to try and do everything myself. Asking for help saves you time, energy and brings in a lot of amazing ideas and inspiration.
Do you have any other pieces of advice for woman in the industry?
Trust your pallet. It is your #1 asset when it comes to innovation and quality control and women generally have a more dialed-in sense of taste and smell.
I want to take a moment to thank these lovely ladies for their contribution to their local community and making my newest project possible! If you are passing through the D.C. area, I highly recommend stopping by the Ivy Room (the distillery bar) for a drink and tour the distillery. If you can not make it to the distillery, show these ladies your support by looking for Rodham Rye or Borough bourbon in your local liquor store. I am off to do some yoga!
Jos A. Magnus Tasting (Murray Hill Club, Joseph Magnus, Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend)