Mash Bill
Anne Parton, PhD
Founder & Kentucky Colonel
Having traveled the world, I returned home and cut my industry teeth in Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country. I couldn't help but notice that something was missing: a bourbon made for women, by women. My vision is right there in our name: We aim to create an amazing bourbon and to unlock the rugged spirit of independence that has been the signature of the Parton women for years.
Heather Telley
Whiskey Sommelier
Holding certificates in Whiskey from the Edinburgh Whiskey Academy and the Whiskey Marketing School, Whiskey Sommelier Heather Telley is a Certified Specialist of Spirits. She is a certified mixologist and her love of new and innovative drinks lead her to create a line of bitters with Independence Bourbon. Calling Hopkinsville, Kentucky home, Heather is also wine sommelier and holds certificates from the University of Las Vegas, Court of Sommelier and Society of Wine Educators. Heather graduated from the University of North Georgia, with a bachelor’s in business marketing.
Samuel Cachola
Creatish, Conduit, Caremenship© Consultant & Kentucky Colonel
Samuel is the Content Contributor and Curator for Independence Bourbon. Samuel has the unique ability to understand founder Anne Parton’s vision for the organization. Samuel has a proven track record of cross-collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to bring about the best opportunities for Independence Bourbon.
Meet Our Ambassadors & Channel Partners
Marjorie Eastman
State Legislature, NC
Marjorie once heard a wise entrepreneur say, “Don’t spend your time figuring out who you want to be. Focus on what you want to do.” She wants to change the world and is by finding ways to contribute to the greater good, be a light and serve.
This Army veteran is an accomplished Executive, Operations & Communications Professional, serves in the North Carolina State Legislature and is the author of the award-winning book The Frontline Generation.
Zoe Dinkis
Physical Trainer, NC
Zoe Dinkins is a personal trainer from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Zoe meets women in the exact phase of where their body image lies, then takes women a step higher. Both physically and mentally. Zoe is an art enthusiast.
Her favorite and personal quote, “I am not afraid to say I am a rockstar.”
Shay Bhelini
Analyst, NC
Being a go-getter, Shay agrees with Mark Twain, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
Shay serves as the Regional Contracts & Purchasing Manager for Google Fiber. She holds a BS in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is skilled in contract management.
Gus Krisantz
Independence Bourbon Channel Partner
Exclusive Partnerships/Business Development
Independence Bourbon Golfing Industry of For Women, By Women (FWBW)
Gus served 23 years in the Marine Corps leading elite teams and operations around the globe. Gus is an avid golfer and has been associated with the golf industry since 2005.
As you can see, the Independence Bourbon legacy story is emulated by Gus' everyday life in curating the independent stories of women within the golf industry.
Gus is married to Gaye and together, they have two black labs.
Ken Melendez
Channel Partner, Independence Tobacco
Exclusive Trademarking within the Tobacco Industry of For Women, By Women (FWBW)
Ken has served in corporate America for over 20 years. Ken is married to Melissa, and together they are surrounded by 3 independent daughters, and two very independent dogs.
Also organic to Ken’s lifestyle is the story of Independence as he seeks each day to guide his 3 daughters toward their own journeys of independence.
Ken is dedicated to covering all angles of the tobacco world, especially cigars. Ken’s vision at Independence is to bring together the global community of cigar lovers, especially female pallet. Ken’s role is to offer up impressions from the unique and complex world of cigars bringing valuable insights from industry power players from tobacco famers to rollers and cigar producers that feature the unique journeys of women in the tobacco industry.
Dr. Hans Mumm
Business Development of For Women, By Women (FWBW)
Hans role at Independence Bourbon is to provide business development opportunities across the organization. Hans has a dog named Rocky. He and Christina enjoy living in North Carolina.
Meet Our Vendor Advocates
Jeff Boogaard
Vendor Partner
Cannabreeze Hemp Farm & Company
Jeff Boogaard, founder and owner of Cannabreeze Hemp Farm & Company, is a U.S Navy veteran of 8 years, where he gained an extensive knowledge of microbiology and chemistry. This has helped him in growing, harvesting, and manufacturing federally compliant premium-grade hemp consumables for the health and wellness of our communities and beyond by utilizing 100% organic growing practices.
Cannabreeze utilizes 100% organic growing practices and state-of-the-art CO2 extraction technology to achieve premium purity and potency and has partnered with Independence Bourbon to develop two varieties of hemp bitters. To find out more about Cannabreeze Hemp Farm & Company, please visit their website https://cannabreezehemp.com/.