This blog series, posted in partnership between HYPE and reSET, offers a platform to showcase the commitment that Hartford entrepreneurs have for their work and this city. It examines how entrepreneurs have chosen their work, and provides examples of the ways in which they are having an impact in Hartford. In this edition, we interviewed Tom and Lelaneia Dubay of Hartford Flavor Co., which launched last spring to provide the liquor market – mixologists, retailers, and consumers – with uniquely flavored natural liqueurs that are on-trend and align to the idea that the creative cocktail is an essential aspect of both the social and dining experiences. 

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your business partners.

Hartford Flavor Company launched Wild Moon Liqueurs in April and through its first 7 months has reached distribution to about 275 establishments throughout the state. Lelaneia is the creator of the liqueur formulas and it all started in the kitchen about 6 years ago. She is a landscape designer and an expert on plants and botany so that is the connection to the flavoring aspect of the product line. Tom is the overall business administrative head and both of us work on the sales and marketing aspects.

Why did you decide to be based in Hartford?

We live in Hartford, are very enthusiastic about its future and therefore were convinced that being in Hartford versus the surrounding areas would be best for the company and its products.

How do you think your work as impacts the community and vice versa?

We are delivering a new product to not only the local community but also throughout the state. We have worked with numerous non-profits by donating our product at their events and this in turn has allowed us to market our product to thousands of attendees. We are glad that Hartford and the surrounding area has responded so well to the fact that we are in the city and are pro-Hartford.

What words of wisdom would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who may be hesitant to take the plunge into entrepreneurship?

Pay attention to the details, let those details convince you that your idea is a viable one, get passionate about the possibilities, and then fully throw yourself into it. Give it your all. Work with people in a positive, giving way and that will be returned to you.

What’s it like being an entrepreneur in Hartford? What are the benefits, but also what are the difficulties and challenges?

There is so much positive energy in Hartford now and that can be channelled through both in-person interactions and social media channels. While there are many nay-sayers out there, it is fairly easy to plug into those that care about Hartford and its positive attributes. Hartford has the strengths of much larger cities in terms of business and marketing organizations but because of its medium size it is easier to find those people and entities that can assist you most.

What’s your vision for your business and personal development over the next five years?

We see Hartford Flavor and Wild Moon growing in terms of reach into markets outside of CT – NY, Mass, RI, and hopefully beyond. We would love to have Wild Moon become a national brand. Perhaps there will be other product lines/brands to follow as well. From a personal standpoint, we hope to continue to learn about this industry and in turn be able to assist others that might want to launch their own liquor brand.

Please see the following links to Hartford Flavor Co.’s website and social media accounts:

http://hartfordflavor.com

https://www.facebook.com/Hartford-Flavor-Company-660352110711238

https://twitter.com/HartfordFlavor

https://www.instagram.com/hartfordflavor