Our Background
Hello, my name is Dominique Thurman! I am a local Saint Louis, MO native, apart of a well-known creative family! I have explored many forms of art that they partake in but I found my own path and passion after a short visit to Napa Valley. Yes, my first love was wine and I had set on a venture to open a wine tapas bar. Unfortunately, that dream came to an end due to unforeseen health issues after pregnancy that wine was often a huge trigger for.
But shortly after... I found whiskey! Beginning with classic wells and cocktails, I expanded my palate to only drinking my whiskey neat or on the rocks. Enjoying various forms of the spirit, especially bourbon; I began to explore the history of whiskey. The influence on whiskey that women and black people have had since the 1800s is not often spoken of and we currently make up a small percentage of owner operators. I am on a journey to being apart of the increasing of those numbers and making history while doing so!
Paying homage to wine as my first love, I will start with providing my consumers with a savory bonded series while I work on creating America's next favorite bourbon! Our bonded series will comprise of a combination of out-sourced whiskey, aged in wine barrels!
What We Need & What You Get
The funding goal for this campaign is $100,000! This is the amount needed to really get the ball going. As you can see in the graph below, a large portion of funds will be allocated towards consultants and experts. With 10 years experience in the finance industry, I have learned the importance of doing things right the first time. The passion that I have for this business venture is STRONG but I completely understand that I am not yet an expert and I want to be sure that I have the tools, resources, and people needed to assist me with becoming more knowledgable and making this plan a success!
The Impact
Whisky is often looked at a mans drink, or something that only people more distinguished in age would enjoy. Well, I am trying to break the stereotype and show that not only do people of many backgrounds and demographics enjoy whiskey, but its also just as diverse as wine and can be paired with many types of food, desserts, and cigars at all times of the day. YES, even brunch too!
Not only will success of the distillery create many local job opportunities, TA Lounge and TA Creative workspace will offer additional cash-flow opportunities for local creative entrepreneurs. Whether you're a performing artist looking to be apart of our line-up of live-artists to perform in the lounge, maybe you are a photographer, painter, videographer needing to spice up your location portfolio, you can be a student wanting to mentor with a success creative that we partner with?
There will be many options for artists to showcase, create, and even sell their works of arts!
So please select one of our perks for your contribution and check back here for updates as continued progress is made. I look forward to building a community with my supporters!
Risks & Challenges
I understand what you may be thinking. This all sounds great, but what are the risks?! Currently only 8% of whiskey distilleries are owned by women and fewer than 5% are black-owned. These numbers may seem small, because they are, but that shows the need and area of opportunity. This numbers are steadily increasing over the years.
In addition to being minority owned, this is a local craft distillery and not only do I know that Saint Louis natives love to support our local businesses. Research shows that consumers are increasingly choosing smaller craft distillers over bigger name brands!
Other Ways You Can Help
Please share this campaign with your friends, family, coworkers, and peers!! As stated in my video this is the community's distillery! I need your help to bring our next home for creative expression to reality! So spread the word and let's make it happen!