An Invitation to the Table - Katie Dunn, Blood Monkey

An Invitation

to the Table

By Terri Marshall Photo by Alyssa Peek

BLOOD MONKEY GIN’S KATIE DUNN AND HER TEAM COLLABORATE AND CONTINUE TO INVITE DIVERSITY TO THE CONVERSATION

Katie Dunn’s formal title at Blood Monkey is Partner/U.S. Lead. She also sits on the Board of Directors and the Steering Committee. But in this small shop, everyone chips in to do everything from making sales calls to modeling, structuring, and negotiating the latest fundraising efforts. They also work as an effective team to find and network with United States strategic partners and to form liaisons with importers, distributors, the sales team, and retailers. And, if necessary, they wipe down tables in a bar during tastings. “Because we are so small, we wear many hats and pitch in whenever needed,” says Dunn.

Blood Monkey is an Irish Craft Gin launched by Dublin’s Outcast Brands. Dunn is the only woman on the five-member team right now, but that doesn’t stop her from being part of the conversation. “I can honestly say that I always feel seen, heard, and supported by my partners in Outcast,” says Dunn adding that in her previous career in commercial real estate finance, she felt that way about 50% of the time.

The Blood Monkey team continually collaborates with diverse partners as much as possible. “I am a member of Chief, the executive women’s network, and am actively involved in the Enthuse Foundation, which supports women entrepreneurs in consumer product goods (CPG),” explains Dunn. “Both have been fantastic in providing networking and partnership opportunities for Outcast and Blood Monkey.”

Dunn’s advice is to put yourself out there for women interested in entering the spirits business. “Find a couple of people from whom you can learn and share information,” she says. “I was very nervous entering a world I barely knew anything about, but I found a couple of people willing to talk to me. Then they introduced me to a few people who provided more connections. Before I knew it, I had a great network I could call upon for help, advice, and resources.”

One female friend of Dunn’s created the persona of “Bob,” a middle-aged confident white male. Whenever she is conflicted about approaching something, she asks, “What would Bob do?” Dunn uses this for herself all the time. “Of course, I don’t always do exactly what ‘Bob’ would do, but it helps me to pause and think of other approaches to an issue, challenge, or problem before reacting.” Bottom line, she encourages women to “trust your gut and don’t compromise on that.”

Dunn believes the business of alcohol is fun and rewarding. “From the perspective of Outcast and what we are doing, it’s incredible to see a glimmer of an idea turn into a brand consisting of a beautiful bottle with a bespoke liquid on a shelf.”

Dunn loves it all and thrives off of the positive energy. “There are so many interesting people and unique liquids to meet and try!”