Frederick, Maryland – In an industry notorious for its high barriers to entry and complex distribution networks, Lezette Young has defied the odds. With no prior experience in wine, spirits, or beverage manufacturing, Lezette founded ChulaVie, a premium, woman-owned, and black-owned spirits brand. Her journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and resilience, culminating in a product that has already won prestigious awards.
ChulaVie, a brand rooted in culture and intention, launched its flagship product, a premium red sangria, with the mission of addressing a glaring lack of representation in the alcohol industry. Crafted with the finest ingredients and without any artificial additives or shortcuts, ChulaVie offers a pure and balanced alternative to the overly sweet, mass-produced sangrias that dominate the market. The brand’s innovative approach and unwavering commitment to quality have earned it significant recognition, including two Gold Medals at the New York International Wine Competition for ChulaVie Premium Sangria – Signature Red, NV, 95 points and Red Sangria of the Year, as well as a Silver Medal at the 2025 American Sangria Challenge.
As the founder and creator of ChulaVie, Lezette’s story is one of starting from scratch. “I didn’t have a background in wine, spirits, or beverage manufacturing,” she shares. “What I had was a vision and a drive to create something that reflected who I am and addressed a gap in the industry. The road hasn’t been easy, but it is worth it.”
Building a brand in the spirits industry is no small feat. From navigating complex regulatory hurdles to overcoming resistance from entrenched industry gatekeepers, Lezette has faced , and continues to face, numerous challenges. “The alcohol industry is one of the hardest to enter and be successful in. There are so many regulatory hurdles and distribution challenges that make it tough for small brands to survive,” Lezette notes. “But I won’t let that stop me. I keep pushing because I believe that ChulaVie has something special to offer.”
Unlike many sangrias on the market, which rely heavily on fruit juices and artificial sweeteners, ChulaVie stands apart with its clean, refined recipe. The drink contains no artificial ingredients, allowing the natural flavors of the wine and fruit to shine through. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 16%, ChulaVie’s sangria is a bold and authentic product. Additionally, its versatility makes it an ideal base for crafting other cocktails, setting it apart from traditional sangrias.
“My goal was always to create a premium product that people could appreciate and enjoy on its own or as part of a cocktail,” Lezette explains. “Sangria is often seen as a cheap, sugary drink, but ChulaVie’s premium sangria is much more. It deserves a place among premium, ready-to-drink cocktails.”
In addition to her entrepreneurial spirit, Lezette’s dedication to innovation has positioned ChulaVie as a standout brand in the market. “Retailers and distributors often overlook sangria as a category, and when you try to enter with a premium product at a higher price point, it’s not always met with open arms,” she observes. “But my vision is to change that narrative. Consumers deserve better; they deserve a quality product that respects their taste and their time.” ChulaVie proves that when quality leads, consumers are ready and willing to pay a premium.
ChulaVie is not just about crafting exceptional sangria; it’s also about challenging the status quo in the spirits industry. The brand’s focus on authenticity, creativity, and inclusivity has resonated with consumers who are seeking new, high-quality alternatives to mainstream products. The recognition that ChulaVie has received is proof that quality and integrity still matter in a market where the familiar often dominates.
Building a brand from the ground up has not been without its challenges. However, for Lezette, each obstacle has been an opportunity for growth and learning. “There are times when I feel overwhelmed by the challenges,” she admits. “But I keep pushing forward because I believe in the value of my product and the mission behind it. It’s not just about creating a great drink; it’s about making a statement and offering something unique.”
The entrepreneurial journey has also led Lezette to a new opportunity in the public spotlight. She is now part of the cast of Legacy Makers TV, a platform that showcases the stories and strategies of influential individuals who are making an impact in their respective fields. This opportunity not only highlights Lezette’s business acumen but also her determination to pave the way for other women and minorities in the spirits industry.
ChulaVie is based in Frederick, Maryland, and is currently available for purchase in select stores and online. As the brand continues to gain recognition, Lezette is focused on expanding ChulaVie into new markets and launching new products that stay true to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
“I’m not here to walk the well-worn path,” Lezette says. “I’m here to make my own path and leave a mark on the industry. There’s so much potential for growth, and I’m just getting started.”
For more information about ChulaVie, including where to purchase their products, visit ChulaVie’s official website or follow them on Instagram at @chulavie23.
