Gilliard, who lives in Charleston, South Carolina, said her team “is eager to collaborate with national retail partners to enhance the brand’s presence, e-commerce website, and overall customer journey.”

“We anticipate significant growth in the ready-to-drink spirits market as consumers worldwide seek direct engagement with culturally curated brands,” Gilliard stated in the press release. “We are thrilled to partner with industry leaders like Sam’s Club on this exciting project. Their expertise and retail knowledge will support our growth as an authentic and top-tier experience for our loyal customers, laying a strong foundation for our brand’s future expansion.”

Gilliard, who has Caribbean roots, created her brand with island-inspired flavors. Those flavors include Rum Punch, Sunrise Mango Mimosa and Mojito. The South Carolina businesswoman founded her company in 2019 after a trip to Barbados. According to the company’s site, Gilliard felt a special connection with her ancestors during the trip, as she heard a voice whispering the word “legacy.”

“Being able to stand on the soil of the world’s first commercial rum distillery, which originated three centuries prior, was a blessing and a gift from our ancestors,” Gilliard said, per the company’s website.

According to the company website, the goal is to “‘tip’ the scales in the industry as it relates to BIPOC- and woman-founded, owned and led companies.”

“Our mission is to inspire women founders and to celebrate and elevate Caribbean culture by developing high-quality Caribbean-inspired cocktails, wines and spirits with stereotype-free branding,” the website states.

As Travel Noire reported, Gilliard wants to ensure that consumers understand the meaning behind the brand’s name.

“Tipsy Lady, despite the name, has very little to do with getting slightly drunk,” Gilliard, who has a background in law, said. “[It’s] all to do with ‘tipping’ the scales in the alcohol beverage industry towards acknowledging female ownership.”