Recognized. Celebrated. Unstoppable.
From national media features to industry firsts, Vanessa Braxton's trailblazing journey has earned recognition across the spirits industry, business world, and beyond.
Historic Firsts
A Legacy of Firsts.
First African American woman to receive a distillery license in the United States
Launched Black Momma Vodka to national distribution
First Black woman to contract distill for a major entertainment icon (Ronald Isley)
Expanded consulting practice to the U.S. Virgin Islands
Named among the most influential women in American craft spirits
Opened GB Distillers II — one of the largest Black-owned distilleries in the U.S.
Industry Recognition
Honors & Awards
NY State Woman of Distinction Award
New york state senate
Recognized by the NY State Senate for the Historic Woman of Distinction Award.
Women in Spirits Award
American Distilling Institute
Honored for outstanding contributions to the craft distilling industry and for breaking barriers as a woman of color in a historically exclusive field.
Black Business Excellence Award
Black Chamber of Commerce
Awarded for exemplary entrepreneurship, community impact, and sustained excellence in building a nationally recognized spirits brand from the ground up.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Black Enterprise Magazine
Named Entrepreneur of the Year for her vision, resilience, and impact in creating Black Momma Vodka and establishing GB Distillers as a landmark in American craft spirits.
Spirit of Innovation Award
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Recognized for innovative approaches to craft distilling and for championing diversity and inclusion within the American spirits industry.
Television
As Seen On Screen.
Television Appearance
Moonshiners: Master Distiller
Season 8, Episode 1 · Discovery Channel
Vanessa Braxton appeared as a Guest Judge on Discovery Channel's acclaimed craft spirits competition series — bringing her expertise as the 1st African American woman distiller in the United States to one of television's most respected stages for master distillers.
Media Features
As Seen In
Meet the Woman Who Broke Every Barrier in American Distilling
A deep-dive profile on Vanessa Braxton's journey from vision to licensed distillery — and what it means to be the first African American woman to own one in the United States.
Black Momma Vodka: How Vanessa Braxton Built a Spirits Empire
Coverage of Vanessa's entrepreneurial story, the founding of GB Distillers, and her mission to create generational wealth through the craft spirits industry.
The Distiller Who Refused to Be Told No
Essence spotlights Vanessa as a symbol of Black excellence and female entrepreneurship, tracing her path from concept to national distribution.
New York's Most Groundbreaking Distillery Is Run by a Black Woman
A spotlight on GB Distillers and its founder, exploring the cultural and economic significance of Vanessa's work in the spirits scene.
Vanessa Braxton Is Pouring History Into Every Bottle
Ebony profiles Vanessa's dual legacy as a distiller and a cultural pioneer, highlighting her work with Ron Isley and her expanding consulting practice.
GB Distillers: The Craft Distillery Rewriting the Rules
Industry trade coverage of GB Distillers' production capabilities, the launch of GB Distillers II, and Vanessa's vision for the future of Black-owned spirits brands.
Guest Judge — Moonshiners: Master Distiller, Season 8, Episode 1
Vanessa Braxton appeared as a guest judge on Discovery Channel's Moonshiners: Master Distiller, Season 8, Episode 1 — bringing her expertise as a pioneering master distiller to one of television's most respected craft spirits competitions.
Media & Speaking
Want to Tell Vanessa's Story?
For press inquiries, media requests, speaking engagements, or interview opportunities — reach out directly.