Today we’d like to introduce you to Leticia Fernández de Mesa.
Hi Leticia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am the CEO and Founder of UNA Vodka, the world’s first Begonia-infused vodka. UNA means unique and singular, and I believe this vodka is truly one of a kind.
I am originally from Spain and studied art history in Madrid. I worked at Sotheby’s in New York and had the amazing opportunity of working with the top artists of the contemporary art world. Working in different contemporary galleries and traveling around the globe showcasing artists at art fairs and exhibits was an extraordinary experience.
The second phase of my career took me to Bogotá where I began one of the first auction houses in the region and helped establish the secondary art market there.
My time in Colombia led me to discover edible flowers, something that I was unaware of before, and it was an instant, magnetic attraction. Their magic enticed me, and this is how UNA Vodka was created – I wanted to share that remarkable feeling again and again with the rest of the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been challenges along the way. The launch of UNA in 2022 coincided with the birth of my second child so needless to say there were a lot of momentous things happening at once.
Slowly, the spirits industry is changing, other spirits brands are also owned by women, and we are seeing more of a balance between genders, but we still need more representation. I believe in the power of women supporting other women and am committed to continuing that with UNA.
Additionally, the spirits industry is a competitive landscape, and getting people to try new brands and spirits is challenging, we try to overcome that by being as creative as possible. But UNA is growing organically, once people sip it and try it for themselves, everything changes, and they love it.
Lastly, there are also certain standards and steps in the spirits industry that need to be followed, and experimenting with edible flowers is a unique way of creating spirits. Making UNA is not an easy process, it is artisanal, handcrafted vodka made from flowers, so everything is intricate and unique. Bringing life to a bouquet excited me, and commitment and perseverance are what pulled me through all the everyday challenges.
Along with family and close friends, UNA has become part of my life, it’s where all my learnings and experiences come together. Every day there are setbacks, but I learn from them and we move forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about UNA Vodka?
UNA Vodka is an ultra-premium vodka made in Florida from a blend of begonias, orange blossoms, and vanilla flowers from Madagascar.
Ultimately, UNA is a combination of everything I love – I combined my passion for the arts with the edible flowers that I fell in love with and shared with the world.
UNA’s elegant, elongated bottle with a crystal rose stopper is an example of my appreciation for artistic expression, and I’ve used the label as a canvas for emerging artists, such as Fabia Rodi, whose art is currently featured. We will continue to identify different artists as the brand progresses.
UNA is a balanced blend of handpicked flowers, it’s similar to making perfume, and everything is intentional. UNA pairs well with classical cocktails, it has tasting notes of bright, crisp, florals – sipping it makes you feel like a floral bouquet has come to life.
We’ve also collaborated with some of Miami’s most exciting, award-winning mixologists who have created an array of fun, distinctive cocktail recipes that you can make at home. You can discover them on our website and social media.
I live in Coconut Grove with my husband and children. I love everything Miami has to offer; I love going to the beach and am a huge advocate of the many cultural and artistic opportunities found in this beautiful city. I believe in seizing the moment, you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow!
UNA Vodka is sold locally at Total Wine, Big Daddy’s, and other liquor stores that support handcrafted spirits in Miami.
UNA Vodka is sold nationally via UNA‘s e-commerce store https://unavodka.com/.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
“Art Lover, a Biography of Peggy Guggenheim” by Anton Gill.
“The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails” by Dave Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum. It’s my everyday go-to for everything and anything related to spirits and mixology. It´s an absolute delight, a fascinating book on the history, techniques, and recipes of the craft – a must for anyone who’s in the industry.
I love a podcast by a friend of mine, Carla de Herrera called “Choices,” where she speaks to women about their choices in life.
I also love “A History Of The World in 100 Objects,” it helps me disconnect and decompress.
Pricing:
- MSRP – $42.99 for 750 ml bottle
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unavodka.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/unavodka
Image Credits
UNA Vodka
