TEQUILA TITAN

LIZZY LOPEZ is the CEO and founder of Tequila 1349. A third-generation agave farmer, she crafted her own additive-free tequila under her father’s mentorship and partnered with a third-generation master distiller. Now bringing all three expressions to market—recently debuting reposado—she plans on expanding into a third state this year making this Power Woman a titan in the spirit industry.

How should women support other women? Let’s start by lifting each other up and leaving aside any desire to compete. One woman has power but together, we build teams that can win at anything. I have an amazing group of supportive women who have been really important in my journey. Learning from each has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

What is the most important characteristic of an effective leader? A great leader needs to be both brave and attentive while finding the right balance between them. Using smart strategies and being able to adjust is key to staying ahead while being open to changing goals. Also, I make an effort to learn about everyone’s role in the company. This helps create a sense of responsibility and understanding, making it easier to see where things can be improved or enhanced.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve taken as a professional? Launching this company carried significant risk. I made the leap from a stable job to venturing into entrepreneurship, navigating uncharted waters, and learning as I progressed. Embracing risks has played a vital role in my growth enabling me to gain insights from missteps and prevent their recurrence. The sense of accomplishment is truly rewarding when I’m able to persevere, regardless of the challenges that arise.

For more information, visit tequila1349.com.