The Story of My Five: From Text Chain to Vodka Brand

When five friends joked about wanting their favorite vodka water drink available in a can, most people would have laughed and moved on. Instead, Dawn and her girlfriends sketched a business plan on a cocktail napkin and transformed their group chat name "My5" into Maryland's fastest-growing ready-to-drink beverage company.The journey wasn't simple. Dawn shares how securing alcohol licenses took nearly a year, with federal approvals surprisingly coming easier than state permissions. Finding manufacturing partners and perfecting recipes took months of dedication, but the results speak for themselves. In less than a year since their November launch, My5 Beverage has expanded to over 77 locations throughout Maryland.What makes My5 stand out in the crowded beverage market? While most competitors focus on carbonation, My5 proudly advertises "no bubbles" on every can. The drinks feature all-natural flavoring, real cane sugar instead of artificial sweeteners, and gluten-free corn-based vodka. Their signature "OG" flavor draws inspiration from Maryland's beloved egg custard snowball, creating an instant connection with local consumers.As women business owners in the male-dominated alcohol industry, Dawn and her partners have faced unique challenges. But they've used any resistance as motivation, proudly embracing their identity as a women-owned, Maryland-based company. The overwhelming community support has been reciprocated through local sponsorships, donations, and active participation in regional events.With goals to reach 200 Maryland locations by year-end and eventual expansion along the East Coast, My5 demonstrates how friendship, determination, and local pride can become a powerful business foundation. Their story reminds us that sometimes the best business ideas come from everyday conversations among friends who aren't afraid to take risks together.Try My5 for yourself at one of their many Maryland locations and experience what happens when five friends decide to bottle their favorite drink and share it with the world.✋✨ Good vibes & high fives! ✨ Follow their @my5vibes to keep up with all the tasty sips 💛 Check out their drinks at myfivevibes.comSupport the show🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to MomTalk Maryland — where community, connection, and conversation collide! 💻 Visit us at thecolumbiamdmom.com 📧 Join our newsletter for episode updates, exclusive content, and local happenings: Subscribe! 📲 Follow along on Instagram: @the.columbiamom🗣️Got a topic idea, guest nomination, or want to sponsor an episode? Let us know!🎬 Watch behind the scenes of the podcast on YouTube: Subscribe to the MomTalk Maryland Podcast Playlist 🎧 Like what you heard? Leave a review & share with a friend who needs this convo in their life!