Esther Rum Launches the Esther Women's Investment Circle, Lowering the Bar for Women to Back Women in Consumer Brands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The Columbus-based rum brand Esther has set aside $150,000 of its current raise exclusively for women investors, bringing the minimum investment down to $10,000 so more women can be in the room from the ground floor.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — September 14, 2026 — On the heels of announcing its expansion across Ohio, Esther Rum, "the Reposado of Rum," today announced the Esther Women's Investment Circle, a dedicated allocation within its $350,000 SAFE round reserved for women investors. The Circle has already raised $55,000 from four women, toward its $150,000 goal.

Esther was founded by Margaret Kerr-Jarrett and Emunah Winer, who previously built the Nihilo design agency and Casa Malka Tequila together. Since launching onto shelves in February 2026, Esther has outsold multinational brands such as Bumbu and Diplomático Reserva in Columbus's top accounts, and has just expanded distribution across Ohio into Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo.

"We've seen how underrepresented women are, both as founders and as investors," said Kerr-Jarrett and Winer. "This isn't just a nice thing to do; we have real traction and a brand-first approach built over years running an award-winning agency. This is not about supporting women. It's about winning alongside them."

Circle members invest at a $10,000 minimum, less than half the round's standard $25,000, and receive seasonal gift packages, an annual gathering, and Founding Circle recognition.

"I invested in Esther because it fills a clear gap in the market with an exceptional spirit that everyone who drinks it falls in love with," said Jeanmarie Loria, CEO of Advize Health and an early Circle member. "Margaret and Emunah have a crystal clear vision and know how to execute. That combination is what will make Esther a massive success."

Learn more about the Women’s Circle here. 

About Esther Rum

Esther is a 100% additive-free, zero-sugar, zero-carb rum distilled in Cali, Colombia and bottled in Columbus, Ohio. Women-owned and Ohio-owned, you can learn more at drinkesther.com.

Instagram: @drinkesther