Have you ever heard of Ellis Island Tea? It’s a delicious hibiscus tea that comes in original, lemon, and peach flavors. But it’s not just a refreshing drink, it’s also a remarkable story of a black woman who turned her passion into a thriving business.

Nailah Ellis-Brown is the founder and CEO of Ellis Infinity Beverage Company, the largest black woman-owned beverage manufacturing business in the US. She started her journey 13 years ago, when she was just 20 years old. She had a family recipe for sorrel, a traditional Caribbean drink made from hibiscus flowers, that she wanted to share with the world.

She began by making small batches of tea in her basement and selling them out of her car trunk. She faced many challenges and rejections, but she never gave up. She believed in her product and herself. She learned everything she could about the beverage industry, from marketing to distribution. She bootstrapped her way to success, securing deals with major retailers like Sam’s Club, Costco, and Whole Foods.

She also caught the attention of some famous names, like Beyoncé, Sheryl Sandberg, and Kevin Hart. They all praised her tea and supported her business. Hart even became an investor after meeting her and tasting her tea. He said he wanted to see her win.

And win she did. In 2020, Ellis-Brown achieved a milestone: she launched her tea nationally with Target, becoming the first black woman to do so. She also expanded her production capacity by acquiring a 4,000-square-foot plant in Detroit, her hometown. She employs over 20 people, mostly native Detroiters, and gives back to her community.

Ellis-Brown is not only a successful entrepreneur, she is also a leader and a mentor. She shares her wisdom and experience with other aspiring business owners, especially minorities. She encourages them to invest in themselves, have faith, and persevere. She believes that anything is possible with hard work and a positive attitude.

Ellis-Brown is an inspiration for many, especially during the Black History Month. She is a living example of how a family recipe can turn into a multi-million dollar beverage empire. She is a proud black woman who has made her mark in the beverage industry and beyond.

To learn more about Nailah Ellis-Brown and her beverage company, visit her website here. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.