Today we’d like to introduce you to Netty Polanco.
Hi Netty, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve spent over two decades in the hospitality and spirits industry, from high-end bars, events, & dive bars in NYC & South Florida to events & brand management in East Tennessee. In 2024, I took on a leadership role at a promotions company, growing it from working with a few brands to over 100 brands in just over a year. But despite the success, it wasn’t aligned with where I saw myself long term, so I walked away.
At the time, I had no intention of staying in the industry. I was ready to rest, reset, and figure out my next chapter. But the universe had other plans. When I said my goodbyes, brands, distributors, and retailers began reaching out, telling me they weren’t done working with me and asking me to stay in the game. That outpouring of support became the spark for Legacy Pour.
I officially launched on 5/5/25, with the intention of creating a boutique brand activation agency that focused on connection, storytelling, and excellence. We’ve already hit the ground running — hosting dozens of tastings a month, building a strong team of ambassadors, and earning the trust of major partners across East Tennessee.
Legacy Pour is more than just a business , it’s about turning grit into legacy, creating space for women of color in leadership, and building something rooted in authenticity, community, and long-term impact.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, at least not emotionally. Walking away from a leadership role I poured so much into came with a lot of guilt, self-doubt, and grief. I wasn’t just leaving a job; I was letting go of something I helped grow immensely and relationships I had really grown to love.
But what made the transition possible , and honestly, beautiful, was the support I had. The business side came together surprisingly smoothly, thanks in large part to my incredible partner. She believed in me before I did. She had me up and running in no time — surprised me with a full website, branding assets, and everything I needed to step into this new role. She removed every excuse I had and helped me go from burned out employee to empowered business owner.
Legacy Pour wouldn’t exist without her. She gave me the foundation so I could do what I do best, build relationships, tell brand stories, and create impact through connection.
As you know, we’re big fans of Legacy Pour Promotions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Legacy Pour Promotions is a boutique brand activation agency specializing in liquor tastings, product education, and experiential marketing. We work closely with spirit brands, distributors, and retailers to create engaging in-store and on-site activations that drive visibility, connection, and sales.
We’re known for bringing high-energy, professional brand ambassadors who don’t just pour samples, they tell the story behind the bottle. Whether it’s a small-batch craft tequila or a nationally recognized whiskey, we approach every tasting with strategy, intention, and personality.
What sets us apart is the way we show up. We’re not just checking boxes or filling slots, we’re curating experiences. Our team is trained to embody the voice of the brand while adapting to each store’s culture and clientele. It’s not just about handing out a sample; it’s about creating a moment that leads to a sale and – even better, a loyal customer.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how quickly Legacy Pour has become trusted in the market. We officially launched in May 2025 and we’re already running tastings across East Tennessee for some of the most respected names in the industry. That trust didn’t come from luck, it came from relationships, determination, results, and real passion.
For readers: If you’re a liquor brand or distributor looking for a team that understands both hospitality and hustle, we’re it. We offer in-store tastings, ambassador staffing, trade show support, product launch events, and brand consulting. Every event is executed with excellence, and every bottle is treated like it matters, because it does.
Legacy Pour is about more than spirits. It’s about building something lasting, and pouring into people and communities along the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has absolutely played a role, but I think it shows up most in timing. Leaving my old role when I did, without a solid plan, could’ve been seen as bad timing. But it turned out to be the best thing I could’ve done.
I truly believe when you trust the universe, things align in ways you can’t plan for. Yes, you have to do the work and show up with integrity, but sometimes it really is about being in the right place at the right time, with the right people paying attention.
So for me, it’s a mix of hustle, grace, and a little good timing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://legacypour.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacypourpromotions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacypourpromotions
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@legacypour
