Pia Carusone Talks Challenging Convention

This piece is part of our 21 Local Innovators To Watch roundup in the August 2022 print issue of District Fray. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Carusone is co-founder and CEO of Republic Restoratives Distillery and managing director of SKDK.

District Fray: Why you do what you do

Pia Carusone: We don’t believe in doing things the way they’ve always been done. We aren’t fourth generation distillers who inherited a legacy operation. We’re the largest crowdfunded distillery in United States history. From day one, we’ve been unafraid of challenging convention. Increasingly, people know our purchasing decisions speak to our values. We know business can be done differently, and that’s what we’re trying to do.

How you are helping

Since we opened, we’ve put our money where our mouth is. From Whitman Walker Health, the National Network of Abortion Funds to Emily’s List, we’re always excited to connect with efforts and organizations that are out there doing the work.

Who else is helping 

I think a lot of DMV businesses have stepped up recently. Gone are the days when it was okay to keep politics out of business. When the fundamental rights, safety and dignity of our neighbors are under attack, you can’t stay quiet. Special shout-outs to our friends at As You Are who opened a queer bar in the days of so many special, historic venues closing.

Where do you escape in D.C. 

My wife and I love going to the driving range on Haines Point. (We’re not big golfers, it’s more of a vibe thing.) Magic hour, some wine, excellent monument views, no tourists!

Where you go to escape D.C. 

We have a house on the Eastern Shore, so we’re spending as much time as possible there with our two kids these days. It’s close enough to get back quickly but far enough away that you really feel “gone”.

Book/podcast/article/album recommendations 

I’ve been in a long obsession with The National, Taylor Swift, Bon Iver, Big Red Machine or whatever these amazing musicians are up to together.

@republicrestoratives // republicrestoratives.com

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Brandon Wetherbee