From Trunk Sales to National Retail Shelves
An ambitious young lady called Nailah Ellis-Brown first started selling her homemade hibiscus tea out of her car over 13 years ago. She probably didn’t envision one day running the largest Black woman-owned beverage manufacturing business in America. But through drive and determination, that’s exactly what she has accomplished.
Ellis-Brown is the founder and CEO of Ellis Infinity Beverage Company, maker of the Ellis Island Tea brand inspired by a family sorrel recipe. She quickly outgrew small basement batches and now operates a high-capacity production plant shipping product nationwide.
Resilience Rooted in Motor City Soil
Born in Detroit, Ellis-Brown credits the city for instilling her grit. “There are no handouts. There aren’t many resources, and you really have to figure things out on your own,” she said. That street-smart entrepreneurial spirit helped the bootstrapping owner gain celebrity backing and over $1.85 million in capital.
Ellis-Brown keeps the business headquartered in her hometown, actively hiring Detroit natives. “I wanted to continue to provide jobs for native Detroiters,” she said, lifting up her community.
Star Power Fuels Growth
A 2017 reality show win provided early exposure, but mentions by Beyoncé and Facebook exec Sheryl Sandberg helped Ellis Island Tea sales explode in 2020. This star-studded momentum attracted investor Kevin Hart after a chance meeting.
“He went crazy” for the product, Ellis-Brown recalled. “I’m in. I’m in, congratulations, Kevin Hart is in. I want to make an investment. I really want to see you win.”
Now Ellis-Brown is focused on distribution partnerships, like a coveted national retail launch with Target. From Detroit’s mean streets to nationwide fame, she remains committed to building a healthier brand while opening doors for other minority entrepreneurs.
Nailah Ellis-Brown shows how one woman’s journey can inspire a community, elevate an industry, and make history in the process.
