Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Espi.
Hi Ryan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I remember having the desire to create. These foundations have led me on an entrepreneurial path since graduating from San Diego State University in 2013. Prior to co-founding my current business, a San Diego-based craft spirits brand First Light Coffee Whiskey, alongside my cousin David Elizondo, I pursued several entrepreneurial ventures including Invest Balance, a socially responsible investing app, and Clients in Abundance, a small business consulting company. My cousin David and I love to surf and would start many of our mornings with early surf sessions at San Diego’s Ocean Beach. That’s when we originally came up with the idea and the name “First Light.” First Light came to represent new days, new adventures, and new moments to celebrate life with people we love. So, when the idea of creating a craft whiskey product came up as a project during one of David’s San Diego State University MBA marketing courses, we knew that there was something there, and we decided to go all in on a business together. First Light was born during late nights and early mornings of work, surfing, and exploration together. We experimented with a few product concepts before landing on coffee-flavored whiskey and after we tasted our first test batch, we knew we had something special.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every day is an opportunity to become reinspired. Too often, we are sold the veil of overnight successes along with the idea that successful people have always been that way or people who wake up early or stay up late always love to do so. All of us face resistance daily, but overcoming that resistance in whatever way it shows itself is the struggle and the determining factor for any artist or entrepreneur.
We’ve been impressed with First Light Coffee Whiskey, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
First Light Coffee Whiskey is a community brand first, and a whiskey and craft spirits brand second. I tell our sales reps that we’re not selling whiskey; we’re building a community. We’re connecting people to identify their own “first light” moment – that moment that makes you feel the most alive, chase after it and celebrate it. We’ve created the most unique flavored whiskey on the market today, using only organic agave, whiskey, and coffee extract. We’re building a spirits brand based around intentional consumption, community, and adventure. With so much external noise in our everyday lives, our goal is to inspire you to reconnect and celebrate your adventure.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Get out there, be authentic, and don’t be afraid of rejection. I’ve met so many people that I never would have expected to give me the time of day, who have become mentors and friends. Reach out, be authentic, and always have an outcome and ask ready.
Pricing:
- First Light Original: $35
- First Light Dark Roast: $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firstlightwhiskey.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstlightwhiskey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstlightwhisky
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-light-whiskey/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HBJ3ZUbMySTXz9NNOgNzg
