Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits: Rooted in Culture, Created in Love and Crafted to Last for Generations

Babette Jones is the CEO and founder of Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits, a Greenville-based beverage company. Six Nineteen was inspired by the historical significance of Juneteenth and was created amongst a group of friends vacationing on June 19, 2022, in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Jones recalled a friend, Charles Anderson, who crafted a cocktail that felt like “freedom, bold, unifying and unforgettable.” Sipping this “story in a glass” ignited a passion in Jones to officially launch her Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits brand in 2023. They specialize in premium ready-to-drink cocktails and mocktails. Their mission is to create a space where celebration meets purpose — honoring the past, empowering the present, and toasting to a future where everyone has a place at the table.

What sets Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits apart is that they “lead with soul, history, and heart.” Each bottle is crafted with the intent to create a drink for everyone, breaking down barriers. 

“This brand was created for everyone – a bridge between cultures, generations and communities from all walks of life,” Jones said.

To kickstart her business, Jones participated in the Hill Institute for Entrepreneurs and Innovators, and received a GVL Starts grant. Provided by Furman University, GVL Starts connects aspiring entrepreneurs with the right resources, coaching, and access to the ideal capital to successfully launch their business ventures.

After being selected as one of the 28 entrepreneurs to present her idea during the Local Entrepreneur Ecosystem Demo Day, Jones was awarded a $5,000 grant to launch her business. “After winning that grant, I started raising capital in order to get my products in the market,” Jones said. She described the importance of social capital and emphasized that people are better together than apart – which is something she experienced with Furman University’s backing behind her entrepreneurial vision. 

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Jones talked about how crucial it is to have a positive and uplifting community supporting you. Not only did her Furman family support her endeavors, but her familial ties also further strengthened her entrepreneurial launch. Her grandmother and mother shaped her foundation through their resilience, kindness, and unwavering belief in inspiring others to dream boldly and move with purpose. 

Her grandmother, now deceased, raised 54 foster children over the course of their infancy to adulthood and Jones’ mother, who is now 86 years old, adopted Jones’ sister when she was 3 years old and also one of the foster children raised in her grandmother’s home. Her sister, who is mentally disabled, has been cared for by their 86-year-old mother until recently after a falling accident. Her sister currently lives in a nursing home. Jones shared that, “if anybody needed a home, my grandmother’s was the foster home that they brought the children to.” 

Both of these women served as role models of grace, strength, patience and resilience that resonates with Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits’ brand and with Jones personally. 

Mentors like Fawn Weaver, founder of Uncle Nearest, and Robin McBride, co-founder of McBride Sisters Wine, have inspired Jones’ leadership. They’ve shown her how to carve out space for herself while paving the way for other women and minorities in the spirits industry.

The advice Jones would give to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: work full time and build your business on the side. “Until you’re able to build your business, you need to make sure you have a solid business plan, which is your road map while you’re building your business. You don’t take a trip without an itinerary or road map,” Jones advised. She shared that entrepreneurship requires grit and is constant work daily.

“When you don’t want to work, you have to work. You have to build. You have to build relationships. Make your vision yours and understand that not everyone will see your vision, but that’s okay.”

Jones shared a few more words of wisdom and gems to aspiring entrepreneurs. “Integrity matters, and authenticity matters. People know if you’re being authentic or playing games with them which is why I truly believe in building strong relationships.” Jones added, “There will be relationships that are like leaves. Some are there for a season. Some are going to drift away. New ones will form and some will take root. Those roots last a lifetime.” 

Jones has been married to Dr. Gary L. Jones for 34 years and has been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Madeline, age 30 and Carrington, age 25, as well as a 6-year-old granddaughter. 

Looking ahead, Jones envisions Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits expanding both throughout South Carolina and globally.

Soon, Six Nineteen’s premium spirits will be available at major retailers nationwide. In South Carolina, you can find their products at:

• 19 Wine & Spirits – Greenville

• King’s One Stop – Dorchester 

• Alchemist M5 – Mount Pleasant

• Atlantic Liquor – Summerville

• The Corner Liquor Store – Summerville

• Dixie Liquor – Myrtle Beach

• Six Mile Liquors – Mount Pleasant

• Surf Beverage – Mount Pleasant

• Bouharon’s – Greenville

• Travinia’s - Greenville

• Pickle Ball Park - Greenville