Celebrate Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month with Xīn and Voltaire: Spotlight on Founder Grace Ubawuchi
As Black History Month begins, we invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of Grace Ubawuchi, 28, the visionary Founder and CEO of luxury sorbet cocktail brand, Xīn and Voltaire. This Black History Month, we recognize Grace’s remarkable journey in the world of F&B innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as her dedication to pushing boundaries and redefining the cocktail-drinking experience, adding her inspiring chapter to the narrative of progress and empowerment.
Xīn and Voltaire‘s story began with a simple yet challenging problem: how to enjoy the full intensity of a chilled cocktail, slowly, without the ice melting and diluting those complex flavours. Grace Ubawuchi, a relentless innovator and entrepreneur, embarked on a two-year mission to transform this dilemma into a groundbreaking solution that would elevate and fundamentally challenge the drinks industry. Freezing alcohol is notoriously difficult, but she set out to prove that not only was it possible, but it could also be done in a way that would bring the magic of the cocktail experience to your home in a revolutionary way.
Grace’s journey was not without its challenges. She spent months collaborating with chefs, scientists, and mixologists, all of whom initially believed that her vision was unattainable. However, Grace’s unwavering spirit led her to an invaluable partnership with Parisian Michelin-starred trained pastry chef Nina Métayer, another determined dreamer who eagerly embraced the challenge. The result; a breakthrough offering that removes the complexity and expertise of mixology but preserves the quality of the bar, introducing innovation into cocktail culture and ushering a new generation of ready-to-drink, frozen, luxury cocktail products.
Through tireless dedication and unwavering passion, she has not only shattered glass ceilings but has also secured vital investment that will propel her business to new heights. Grace’s determination has seen Xīn and Voltaire, within months of its launch, receive two bronze medals from the prestigious IWSC awards, and be featured on the menus of some of London’s top venues and retailers, including Selfridges, Mondrian Shoreditch, Mandarin Oriental and Radio Rooftop. Not only this, but Xīn and Voltaire will soon be listed at Soho House’s Notting Hill location, Electric Cinema, and retailed via nationwide challenger shopper platforms.
Grace says, ‘The systematic barriers black founders face to scale their businesses are no secret. In my journey, I have first-hand experience of how challenging it can be initially, especially as a solo founder without access to information or a community. What’s great about today is that social media and incredible people with access act as the megaphones, sharing key information so that those barriers are broken and more black founders can thrive. I advise other founders to connect with these communities and keep persevering through the ever-present challenges before you, because you will succeed.’
Grace’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the unwavering belief in one’s vision. As we celebrate Black History Month, we invite you to join us in championing the stories of Black-owned businesses and their founders, like Grace, who are making a significant impact in their industries and pioneering gender and race equity within the world of entrepreneurship and business.
