Nallely Suárez Gass has spent her life challenging norms, embracing opportunities, and building meaningful connections. Raised in Chicago to Mexican parents, Nallely grew up understanding the importance of adaptability and resilience. Her journey, from the west side of Chicago to co-founding Drop Needle Drinks, is a story of determination, cultural pride, and fearless ambition. Today, her wine-based ready-to-drink cocktail brand is redefining what’s possible in a competitive market, all while staying rooted in quality and authenticity.

Growing up in Chicago’s vibrant cultural mosaic, Nallely’s early years were filled with family gatherings and rich traditions. Everything changed when her family moved to a predominantly white neighborhood during her childhood. This shift made her hyper-aware of her identity as a Latina, shaping how she navigated the world. In high school at Lane Tech, she found a sense of belonging through cultural clubs like Hola and Aspira, which celebrated the diversity within diversity. "Chicago is a bubble of diversity," she says. "You don’t realize how special it is until you leave." These formative experiences laid the foundation for her confidence and cultural pride.

While pursuing her degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Nallely discovered a love for problem-solving through econometrics—a mix of economics and statistics. Her passion for analyzing complex systems carried her into a thriving corporate career at PepsiCo and Molson Coors, where she honed her skills in sales and strategy. But what truly set her apart was her ability to cultivate relationships. “Cheerleaders are everything,” she says. “Focus on the people rooting for you, and don’t waste energy trying to win over the naysayers.”

Despite her success in the corporate world, Nallely always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2019, she launched two businesses simultaneously: a consulting firm and a trucking company. “I was scared one of them might fail, so I started both,” she admits. While the consulting business allowed her to focus on leadership development, the trucking company thrived during the pandemic, employing over 130 people at its peak. “One of my proudest moments was helping my team support their families during such a challenging time,” she says. The experience taught her flexibility, grit, and the importance of asking for help when needed.

The idea for Drop Needle Drinks emerged from a collaboration with four former colleagues from her time at Molson Coors. While Nallely joined the team last, she quickly became integral to the brand’s success, leading sales and market strategies. “We all have our silos of expertise, and we respect each other’s strengths,” she says. Drop Needle Drinks stands out with its wine-based cocktails made from natural ingredients sourced from a family vineyard in Paso Robles, California. The flavors—crafted with real juices—are a reflection of the team’s commitment to quality.

Entering a crowded market didn’t faze Nallely. “It’s crowded because there’s demand,” she explains. “If you believe in your product and know what makes it unique, go for it.” She emphasizes the importance of differentiation, pointing out that the ready-to-drink cocktail market is one of the fastest-growing segments in the beverage industry. “Our goal was to create something that feels fresh, approachable, and delicious, and I think we’ve done that.”

For Nallely, working with her co-founders has been a masterclass in teamwork. “You have to have clear expectations and hold each other accountable,” she says. “We’re all betting big on this, so respect and trust are key.” She believes that successful partnerships stem from understanding and appreciating each person’s role. “I don’t try to micromanage the creative aspects because that’s not my area of expertise. I focus on what I’m good at and trust my team to do the...