Community Highlights: Meet Kevin John of ISLANDJON VODKA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin John.

Kevin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story really begins with family. I co-founded IslandJon Vodka alongside my father, Levi John, blending his life experience and wisdom with my entrepreneurial drive and passion for culture, music, and hospitality. What started as conversations around legacy and purpose evolved into a brand rooted in Caribbean inspiration, resilience, and the belief that life should be savored… on Island Time.

Before IslandJon, I spent years in sales, brand building, and business development, learning firsthand how challenging it is to break through in competitive industries. Those experiences taught me discipline, humility, and the importance of relationships. When we launched IslandJon, we weren’t just trying to create another vodka, we wanted to build a brand that felt like an escape, a moment of ease, and a reminder that joy and connection matter.

The journey hasn’t been linear. Building a spirits brand from the ground up has meant wearing every hat: sales, operations, fundraising, distribution, and brand storytelling—often simultaneously. There were moments of uncertainty, capital constraints, and tough lessons, but each challenge sharpened our strategy and strengthened our conviction. Atlanta became our proving ground, teaching us how to scale thoughtfully, stay close to the consumer, and lead with authenticity.

Today, IslandJon continues to grow, expanding its footprint while staying true to its roots: family, culture, and craftsmanship. Where I am now is the result of persistence, faith, and an incredible community of supporters who believe in the vision. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited about where we’re headed building something lasting, meaningful, and bigger than ourselves.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road and honestly, I don’t think meaningful journeys ever are. One of the biggest challenges has been building a spirits brand from scratch in an industry with high barriers to entry, tight margins, and a lot of gatekeepers. Distribution, capital access, and earning trust all take time, and early on you’re constantly proving that you belong in the room.

Fundraising has been another major hurdle. Convincing people to believe in a long-term vision, especially in a crowded category. It certainly requires resilience and thick skin. There were plenty of moments where doors didn’t open, timelines stretched, or progress felt slower than expected. Those experiences forced us to become more disciplined, more data-driven, and more intentional with every dollar and decision.

On a personal level, balancing the emotional weight of entrepreneurship while building something alongside family has been incredibly challenging. The stakes feel higher when you’re not just building a business, but a legacy. You learn quickly how to navigate pressure, uncertainty, and self-doubt while still showing up as a leader for your team.

That said, every struggle shaped the business we have today. The obstacles sharpened our focus, strengthened our culture, and reinforced why we started in the first place. Looking back, the hard parts weren’t setbacks—they were the training ground.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ISLANDJON VODKA?
IslandJon Vodka is a premium craft spirits brand rooted in Caribbean inspiration and built around one simple idea: It’s Island Time. We create vodka that’s clean, smooth, and approachable, while delivering an experience that transports people, whether that’s through flavor, storytelling, or the moment they’re sharing it in.

What we specialize in is blending quality with culture. Our portfolio includes our core premium vodka alongside flavored expressions like Coconut Vanilla, Mango Peach, and Apple Gwayav (Guava), each designed to feel elevated but never intimidating. From the liquid to the packaging to the way we show up in the community, everything is intentional. We’re not chasing trends, we’re building a lifestyle brand that celebrates ease, connection, and joy.

What truly sets IslandJon apart is our foundation. We’re a father-and-son founded company, built on legacy, resilience, and family values. That story isn’t marketing—it’s real, and it shows up in how we operate, how we partner, and how we grow. We also stay extremely close to the ground: working directly with bartenders, retailers, and consumers, and growing market by market with discipline rather than shortcuts.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that IslandJon resonates emotionally. People don’t just enjoy the product, they connect with the message. In a world that feels increasingly loud and demanding, IslandJon represents a pause, an exhale, a reminder that anytime can be Island Time. Seeing that message land with diverse audiences, especially here in Atlanta, has been incredibly rewarding.

What I want readers to know is that IslandJon is more than a vodka. It’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, celebrate culture, and be present in the moments that matter. We’re building something meant to last, and we’re just getting started.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I rely on a mix of structure and intuition to stay sharp. Tools like Google Sheets are essential for me, data keeps me honest and grounded, especially when making big decisions. At the same time, I trust my gut to keep things interesting and creative. That balance has become really important in both business and life.

Podcasts are a huge resource for me. Shows like Business of Drinks, How I Built This, and Founders keep me inspired and connected to the realities of building something from the ground up. Hearing other founders talk openly about challenges, missteps, and breakthroughs reminds me that the journey is rarely linear and that’s okay.

I gravitate toward books centered on leadership, mindset, self-improvement, and legacy. I’m constantly thinking about how to grow not just as a founder, but as a husband, father, and leader. Quiet time has become non-negotiable for me, it’s where I reset, reflect, and make sense of the noise.

Fitness has also played a big role in my life over the past year. Committing to my health has brought clarity, discipline, and a stronger mental edge that shows up everywhere, from decision-making to endurance. It’s been a game changer.

Music is another constant. Lately it’s become more nostalgic, grounding me and keeping me connected to the Island Time mindset that inspired the brand in the first place. It’s both fuel and therapy.

Above all, my greatest resource is my wife, Shorna, and my family. Their support keeps me centered. Add to that an incredible team, mentors, and peers who challenge me, support me, and hold me accountable, and that’s what allows me to show up at my best.

Pricing:

• IslandJon can be found on the shelves
• 19-24.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.islandjon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandjonvodka
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islandjonvodka
• Other: https://islandjon.com/itsislandtime

Image Credits
Photo Cred: Alfred Dixon