We had the good fortune of connecting with Monyea Shell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Monyea, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Honestly, I would have to say that there are a number of factors that come in to play behind having/creating a successful business and brand. The ability to build and maintain relationships are what I feel is most important. The old wives tale, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” has opened so many doors for us. One of the things that I have mastered is the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone that will listen. I have met so many great business contacts, just by talking about my brand wherever I go. You never know who you will cross paths with. For instance, a few months ago I was at a tire shop for a repair and I sparked up a conversation with another patron. Through our conversation, I learned that he was well known in the music industry and has written for popular R&B artists. That connection alone, allowed me to introduce him to the brand and could potentially grow into the brand being introduced to celebrities. It’s all about being able to open your mouth and talk to people. I truly believe in the phrase, “Closed mouths, don’t get fed.” Building great, long-lasting relationships is the most important key in the business world for your success.
What should our readers know about your business?
I was born with the drive. I’ve always known that I wanted to be in business since I was a child. I remember going to Sam’s Club to stock up on candy to sell at school. I currently hold the position of C.O.O. of Posh Beverage Company, LLC, which I also helped co-found. We are a young company, formed in late 2019 and within 8 months we have successfully put two products in the market, Posh Premium Ale Peach and Majesty Bourbon. What I am the most proud of is how we didn’t let our circumstances discourage us. We didn’t have a big budget or a big celebrity, but we still prevailed. What sets us apart is that our bourbon is right here, from Ga, whereas most bourbons come from Kentucky or Tennessee. Majesty gives you a luxurious experience, at an affordable price, great for smoking a cigar, a mix drink, or just on it’s on. Our Ale is made up of all natural ingredients. It has that great beer taste that you love, with a hint of natural peaches. We are a company at the early stages that is making headway and creating our own niche in the industry. Nothing comes easy, but if you are willing to work hard and persevere, everything is possible. One major thing I learned is that everyone isn’t fit to lead and not everyone will be happy for your success. We’ve had people try to block our success and people unwilling to use their platforms to help us, in fear of us becoming more successful than them. I want the world to know that we are here to stay and that no matter what obstacles we face, we will strive to over come them. We want to set a legacy that will provide a very solid foundation for our families and help as many people as we can on our way to greatness.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I would take them downtown to ride the trolley and even a glide down the belt line. For brunch on a Saturday, I would take them to Hobnob for the pretzels and beer cheese or Milk & Honey for the fried lobster tails and grits.. For lunch I would go down to City Winery, maybe even try some drinks and nachos at Tacos and Tequila or No Mas. For some fun, I would take them to either the Trap Museum, Andretti’s, or TopGolf. If this was their very first time in, I would definitely take them to the Martin Luther King exhibit. For dinner, depending on the choice of menu, I would take them to either Fogo De Chao, Sweet Georgia Juke Joint, Cirque Atlanta,or Old Lady Gang.. We could finish the night at the Escobar.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a number of people who have contributed to my success. But before all, I have to say God is my greatest influence. I thank God that I am able to wake up everyday, fully functioning. I know that nothing is possible without him. My next influence is my wife. She has always supported me unquestionably and stayed by my side through the trials. She helps me stay grounded. Next, my parents. I have been so blessed to have both of my parents in my life. My mom is a gentle, smart, god-fearing woman. She taught me to keep God first and she led by example. My father is a hard-working, never give-up man, He always made sure we had what we needed to survive. He taught us how to be leaders, not followers, and how to stay strong in the face of adversity. He always said, “God bless the child that got his own.” Teaching me to never settle for working for someone else, because at the end of the day you’re just a number. He told me to get out and get my own. My best friend Mel, who has always supported me and used whatever connections he has to put me in great business positions. My ex business partner for helping me get my foot into the spirits world. My new business partner, Jon, for understanding my strengths and seeking me for a business partnership. Finally for my friends and family. I have an unbelievable support group behind me, that has been there for me every step of the way. Every purchase, feedback, call, and comment has truly inspired me to push for greatness. I can honestly say that I am so blessed to have so many great people in m life.
Website: www.drinkmajesty.com
Instagram: @king_yea1
Linkedin: Monyea Shell
Twitter: @king_yea1