Stephanie Houston has a deep connection to her ancestry through sugarcane. As she crafts rum in Dripping Springs, she fondly remembers her Guanches forefathers from the Canary Islands, where sugarcane was a valuable resource in the 1400s. These islands, located near Morocco off the coast of Africa, hold a Spanish community. Houston’s Guanches ancestors would grow sugarcane on the Canary Islands and ship it to the Caribbean, creating an unexpected connection to her current career in the rum industry. This connection feels like an unspoken legacy in her DNA as she continues to expand her brand, Island Getaway Rum.

Before diving into the world of rum, Houston was a graduate of UT Austin with a degree in African history. She grew up in Dallas but eventually returned to Austin after completing her education. Houston worked various jobs before reconnecting with a friend who owned a winery in the Texas Hill Country. When her friend expressed an interest in entering the rum industry, Houston felt an undeniable sense that this was her calling. She knew she was meant to be a part of this new adventure.

Over the following months, Houston eagerly asked her friend if it was finally “rum time.” This phrase became a running joke but also a symbol of her anticipation. When the time finally came, Houston became a co-owner of HYE Rum in 2016, based in Hye, Texas. The operations eventually moved to Dripping Springs in 2021, and HYE Rum transformed into Island Getaway Rum. Houston chose this name because it resonated with her personally and she believed it would also resonate with rum drinkers. The idea of an island vacation often includes enjoying a frozen rum drink at some point, making Island Getaway Rum a perfect fit.

As a member of the Texas Distilled Spirits Association, Houston is proud to be a part of one of only two female Hispanic-owned rum distilleries in Texas. Among the association’s approximately 210 registered distilleries, with only about 160 being active, only a handful are women-owned distilleries. Further narrowing it down, there are only two Hispanic-owned distilleries, one of which is Island Getaway Rum. Being the first female Hispanic-owned rum distillery in Texas has not come without its challenges. Houston has become aware of the lack of representation and capitalization of minority businesses in the industry. She aims to bring awareness to these issues and support other minority distilleries in the state.

Island Getaway Rum is readily available in Specs, Total Wine, and Party Stop stores across Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Lubbock, Amarillo, and more. However, Houston’s vision extends far beyond Texas. She is currently working on expanding the brand globally, with recent trips to Vietnam to establish sales and plans to bring her rum to Tokyo, Japan, and Spain. Despite this global growth, Houston is dedicated to her Texas roots. She believes that Island Getaway Rum should be the number one choice for Texans and aims to make her brand a household name state-wide.

Stephanie Houston’s journey in the rum industry is more than just a career. It is a connection to her ancestry, a representation of underrepresented minorities in the industry, and a passion for creating high-quality rum. With Island Getaway Rum, Houston is making waves and leaving a lasting impact on the distilled spirits market.

Title: A Tale of Resilience: Empowering Texans and Celebrating their Spirit

Hey there, readers! Today, I want to share a heartwarming story about a group of dedicated individuals who are wholeheartedly supporting the people and businesses of Texas. It’s an inspiring narrative, filled with hard work, determination, and the hope of creating a lasting impact. So, fasten your seatbelts, as we delve into a remarkable journey of resilience!

In a bustling city of Texas, our protagonist, Houston, is leading an extraordinary initiative. Houston passionately expresses, “We are here to empower Texas employees and support our great state in every possible way.” With his words, Houston highlights the immense effort required to make a difference. They’re ready to put in the legwork, to hit the streets and connect with the people at a grassroots level. Their mission? To establish a recognizable and trusted brand name – one that will resonate deep within the hearts of Texans.

The journey is not an easy one, for Houston and his team understand the magnitude of their endeavor. It requires extensive groundwork, countless hours of personal interaction, and an unwavering commitment to the cause. But they remain undeterred, confident that their collective efforts will soon yield results. Houston optimistically shares, “We hope to gain momentum as people begin to witness the positive impact we can make, and as our brand becomes more recognizable.”

What Houston and his team are embarking upon is a story of unity, resilience, and faith in the power of a single idea. They are erecting a sturdy framework, one built upon the bedrock of community-oriented values, unwavering support, and, above all, Texas pride. They believe that their actions will breathe new life into local businesses and families alike, reinvigorating the spirit of the Lone Star State.

This narrative exemplifies the indomitable Texan spirit – the same spirit that enabled countless pioneers to overcome adversity and shape the history of this great land. In this modern-day tale, Houston and his team are the modern pioneers, carving out an uncharted path toward a better future for all Texans. With every conversation they have, each handshake they offer, and every connection they establish, they sow the seeds of progress and hope.

As we tread further into this engaging saga, it is important for us, as readers, to recognize the significance of their endeavor. This is not merely a story about a brand or a marketing strategy. It’s a profound human story, documenting the belief in the extraordinary potential that can be unlocked when people come together for a shared cause.

So, dear readers, let us support Houston and his team as they undertake this noble expedition. Their unwavering dedication to uplifting Texas employees and galvanizing the entire state is a testament to the immeasurable power of unity and perseverance. May we witness their efforts grow exponentially, fostering a burgeoning momentum that will ripple across Texas, bringing hope and prosperity to all.

Let their story serve as a reminder that we, too, hold the power to effect change. By standing together, supporting local businesses, and embracing the spirit of community, we can create a brighter future for not just Texas, but for the entire world.

Remember, it all starts with a small step, boots on the ground, and a dream to make a difference – just like Houston and his team. Let’s join them in their inspiring quest and become the catalysts of change, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of every Texan along the way.