our people
Photo by Amelia Joyce Tubb
Mariah Kunkel
Founder
Mariah Kunkel is of Indigenous CHamoru (Guahan) and African-American descent. A born and raised Californian, Mariah is based in Los Angeles, recently returned to her home state after spending 13 years in New York City.
Supported by a diverse professional background of 10+ years in marketing, brand management and business development, Mariah’s work in the food and beverage industry has primarily focused on education and advocacy on behalf of craft spirits producers. She currently works in Los Angeles as a consultant for a number of clients in the hospitality, spirits and fashion industries. Previously, Mariah was the Brand Development Director for Banhez Mezcal Artesanal and also served as the Director of Marketing for Brooklyn Gin.
Mariah is also the founder of Brown Sugar Burlesque, a live cabaret entertainment experience that centers and promotes Black creativity, artistry and excellence both onstage and behind the bar.
In her spare time, Mariah enjoys cooking CHamoru cuisine and studying various forms of dance.
Mariah holds a Juris Doctor from Loyola Marymount and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Cal State Northridge.
Email: mariah@pasifikaproject.com
Photo by Kelly Puleio
Samuel Jimenez
Founder
Samuel Jimenez is a California born and raised, Samoan and Mexican-American. Based in the Bay Area, Sam has worked in the food and beverage industry as a bartender, hospitality manager and brand sales specialist for most of the past decade.
Sam’s ethnic and cultural background has influenced the way he has viewed, interacted with and grown within the beverage industry, especially when it comes to the topic of tiki. For the past few years Sam has been outspoken about his perspective on tiki and how beverage professionals and consumers should view tiki through the lens of colonialism and imperialism in Oceania. For his important work in this space, Sam was named to the Imbibe 75: The People, Places & Things to Watch for in 2020.
Outside of the industry, Sam is a dedicated father, husband, and community member.