image source, aston university
- author, Richard Price
- role, BBC News, West Midlands
An entrepreneur who founded a company selling frozen cocktails has been named to a prestigious list of young high flyers.
Grace Ubauch, who graduated from Aston University with a degree in Business and International Relations, is the founder of Shinn & Voltaire.
She was included in the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 European Arts and Culture list, which selects celebrities under 30 from various industries.
Mr. Ubauch previously won the title of Most Promising Midmarket Entrepreneur at the KPMG Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards.
She earned her degree in 2020 and first came up with the idea for a frozen cocktail company during her job search year in 2017, the university said.
The company currently sells four different flavors through its website at 300 locations across the UK and Europe, including Mandarin Oriental UK, Selfridges and Soho House.
Two of the company’s cocktails won bronze medals at the 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition.
Freezing alcohol is notoriously difficult, but she worked with Parisian pastry chef Nina Metayer to develop the food technology needed to accomplish the feat, according to a Forbes profile of Ubauch.
“Blessed”
The Forbes Arts and Culture list recognizes young people recognized for creating and designing the future of the fashion, food and creative arts industries.
Nominees will be evaluated by Forbes staff and an independent panel of expert judges on a variety of factors, including funding, income, social impact, size, ingenuity and potential.
Ubauch shared the news of being included in the Forbes list on his LinkedIn account, saying: “I am so happy to have such great people joining me on my journey to help build the Shinn & Voltaire brand and believe in my vision for the brand.”
“I’m just a product of the people who poured into me and helped me build the foundation of this business.”
An Aston University spokesperson congratulated her as a shining example of the university’s spirit and said they were delighted to see her go from strength to strength.
