NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Over the years, I’ve come in contact with some amazing people who have done some pretty dope things or are on their way to achieving greatness. As an alumn of an HBCU (Shaw University), I wanted to shed some light on a few of my brothers and sisters who are making noise in the community, boardrooms, and anywhere else where we feel we can make a difference as a people. My first order of business with this new segment was to reach out to a sister who is not only doing remarkable things in the community and beyond, but one who inspired me to go for my dreams.
Antoinette Lawrence was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and resides in Bowie, Maryland. She attended Shaw University in North Carolina, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. She attained her Master’s Degree in Counseling from North Carolina Central University and her second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Ms. Lawrence is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Antoinette Lawrence is an Educator, a Clothing Boutique Owner (toplevelboutique.com), a published children’s book author (amlbooks.com), and now the owner of her own Organic Vodka (egovodka.com).
In 2011, Antoinette Lawrence began writing her first children’s book, “I Remember,” which is a beloved recollection of her childhood. “My Dad, My Granddad and Me,” her second book, is a story about a child who cherishes memories and lifelong lessons that he has learned and shared with his dad and granddad. Her third children’s book, “Dana the Diva,” is a story about a little girl who enjoys being fancy, dressing up in her mother’s clothes, and spending time with her friends. Her fourth book, “Our Dog Dino,” was published in 2020. It is about the mysterious disappearance of the family’s dog named Dino. What happened to Dino? You would have to read the book to solve the mystery. Her motivation to write children’s books comes from her past and present family experiences.
Top Level Boutique started in 2015 after Antoinette Lawrence became frustrated with walking in stores and not finding classy and affordable styles. Her love for fashion encouraged her to step up and start her online clothing boutique.
The journey of EGO Organic Vodka began in 2019 after Antoinette Lawrence discovered a newfound love for wine. Sweet Wine is one of her favorite types of wine. In 2020, during a pandemic, after visiting a distillery in Maryland and searching for a spirit that was not so strong to her taste, Antoinette began doing research for her Vodka brand. After a year of research, paperwork, and hiccups, EGO Organic Vodka was launched and can now be found in liquor stores across the state of Maryland.
Ego Organic Vodka is an organic white wheat-based vodka. Double-distilled through 18 plates & triple-filtered for a buttery smooth taste. In 2022, Ego Organic Vodka won a Silver Medal in the tasting category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Along with being a striving serial entrepreneur, Antoinette enjoys traveling, spending time with family, writing, shopping, and motivating children to read.
Who is Antoinette Lawrence
Here is my interview with the serial entrepreneur, Antoinette Lawrence.
Why did you choose to go the organic route with your brand?
I decided to choose organic vodka because it’s free from chemicals and pesticides. The use of organic ingredients in my opinion reduces the burn that some may believe is associated with other Vodka brands.
How did you come up with the name “Ego”?
I came up with the EGO because I have a big EGO.. lol. I wrote down a few names and sent a few names to a few of my friends to get feedback. After going through a process of elimination, EGO was the winner. We all have an EGO but as I said before I have a BIG EGO. It represents me. Some people have a big EGO and some have small EGO’s, but once you drink EGO and have a few cocktails, it may help boost your EGO..lol
Besides EGO Vodka what else do you have your hands in (business-wise)?
I’m a serial Entrepreneur. Lol. I’m a published Author. I have written and published 4 children’s books and I also own and run an online Clothing Boutique (Top Level Boutique).
What are some of the roadblocks (if any) that you have faced as a black-owned Liquor Brand and Fashion Boutique?
Some roadblocks I have faced as a business owner are trying to reach a larger audience, funding, and promotion.
What’s the plan for 2023?
In 2023, I plan to begin the process of creating my own Wine and expanding Ego Organic Vodka to other states, and traveling to promote my children’s books.
What was the process like in starting EGO Vodka? And what made you choose Vodka over any other liquor?
The process was long and hard when starting Ego Organic Vodka. There is a lot of paperwork, certifications, money, and time that goes into starting a spirits brand. You also have to have a lot of patience and tough skin.
Any encouraging words for our younger generation who may be afraid to think or step outside the box?
Follow your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. Never give up and keep going until you reach your goals.
Currently, where can Ego Vodka be found and purchased?
Ego Vodka can be found at Total Wine and More Laurel, MD, and Towsons, MD. Rips Wine in Spirits, Laurel Beer Wine and Spirits, Crofton Liquors, Center Pocket Cafe and Billard, Angel’s Share Wine and Spirits, Tucker Plaza Liquors, Marlboro Liquors, Berry Liquors, Bk Miller Meats and Liquor, Lax Wine and Spirits Beltsville, MD.
How do you get into Children’s Books?
I had a big imagination as a child and would always come up with creative ideas. I started writing children’s books because I used to read picture books to my Elementary students in class. One day I was in a bookstore looking at picture books to share with my students and I said to myself “you can do this”, so the next day I started writing my first book about my childhood memories.
How did you get into fashion?
I got into fashion because I got tired of going into stores and not finding anything that I liked. I was tired of looking like everyone else. lol. So I started doing my research and started my own Boutique. I have been in business since 2015. I also like dressing up and going out feeling sexy and cute.
With all the negative press HBCUs have garnered over the last few months, how do you feel about our schools being attacked?
I love my HBCU. Shaw University has a special place in my heart. I became the woman I am today from all the life lessons and experiences from college. I don’t like it when HBCUs are attacked because there is a lot of rich history in HBCUs. Many famous and influential people have come from HBCUs. So, it is sad when people attack Black Colleges and Universities.
