LYON RUM // Windon Distilling Company

Jaime Windon is the President and Founder of LYON RUM // Windon Distilling Company, a cane-to-glass spirits company located in Saint Michaels. Established 11 years ago, the company specializes in creating small batches of exceptional American rums on the Eastern Shore.

With 12 employees, Windon leads a team dedicated to crafting remarkable spirits and providing outstanding hospitality to distillery visitors. As a woman in a predominantly male industry, Windon embraces the opportunity to empower fellow women and create an alternative image of business guided by strong feminine principles. She is a passionate advocate for collaboration and focuses on opportunities rather than obstacles in her entrepreneurial journey.

What does it mean to you to be a women-owned business?

Being a woman in a historically, and predominantly, male industry means I have to do less to stand out, but often more to be respected. Most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to connect more deeply with people who share similar values, often other women. It also means I have the ability to empower fellow women and create an alternate image of what a business can look like when guided by strong feminine principles.

 How do you support women in your business and community?

I hire women, I work with women, I encourage women. I am a relentless advocate for my fellow female distillers and business owners, as I and believe in collaboration over competition.

 What recent accomplishments are you most proud of?

Every day I am incredibly proud of my team, the products that we create and the hospitality that we deliver to everyone that visits the distillery.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's In the Lead: Best Women-Owned Businesses in Maryland list for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.