Lifestyle influencer Krista Horton talks about expanding her brand

There comes a time in every successful influencer's career when they have to consider how to grow the personal brand they've cultivated on social media into something bigger, something they can truly own. Fashion, beauty and lifestyle influencer Krista Horton simplifies her favorite mix of her drinks (which are already raving about with viewers) so both her loyal fans and new fans can enjoy them. I realized that I could deploy a ready-made version. And thus Horton Rum was born!

I caught up with Krista to learn more about the process of launching her brand, how she injected her personal style into Horton Lamb's branding, and of course, her top 5 fashion and beauty must-haves for 2024 I also heard.

Krista Horton's top 5 fashion and beauty essentials:

1) Leggings

Always and forever. It goes with everything and can be dressed up or down. It never goes out of style. I love Lululemon's classic mini flares.

2) Oversized T-shirt or sweatshirt

This is my daily uniform! It gives me cuteness and comfort at the same time, and it doesn't hurt when it's from my line of products that is the work of one of my children and twins!

3) Tanceuticals Self Tanner

A little tan will make you feel more confident and make any outfit look better.

4) Magnesium

I started taking it a few months ago and haven't looked back yet. Using this will help you sleep better and feel better overall. JS Health is my favorite brand.

5) IT Cosmetics Mascara

If I could only use one makeup product, it would always be mascara. It's always my number one beauty product – it will wake you up and leave you feeling ready!

To learn more about Krista's newest venture, Horton Rum, keep reading.

Sarah Boyd: What inspired you to start Horton Lamb?

Krista Horton: I've been a huge fan of coconut rum and diet soda for years. Anyone who knows me knows it's my favorite drink. I've had the pleasure of working with a variety of brands that I love on custom partnerships and items, but I've never had a project of my own. One day while drinking Coconut Rum and Diet with my husband Bryce, I had the idea to make my own Coconut Rum and Diet, but more and more people are looking for unique twists on classic cocktail combinations. We were able to create a canned product with added ingredients. without it No need to worry about mixing! After years of research and creation, Horton Rum was born. We're really excited about this project and want to say, “Have more fun and drink more Horton Rum!”

SB: The design and aesthetic of the brand is so fun and unique. What went into developing the brand identity?

KH: We want to have a good time, so we wanted the brand to be fun and make people smile as soon as they saw it. No matter where you are, Horton wanted you to feel like you're on vacation or at your favorite location whenever you hold a can of rum. Bright colors and the Coco mascot make this the perfect combination.

SB: What inspired the three flavors Horton Rum currently offers?

KH: Diet Coke is my favorite mixture and the inspiration for Horton's ready-to-drink cocktails, so it was a no-brainer. The pineapple soda was his second flavor that we wanted because a lot of people love mixing pineapple and coconut rum for a pina colada flavor. It really makes you feel like you're in Hawaii. Lime soda began life as a refreshing yet slightly tangy family favorite.

SB: What are Horton Lamb’s goals for 2024?

KH: I'm really looking forward to 2024. We're setting the bar high for ourselves and there's a lot we want to accomplish in our first year of launch and our first canned cocktail season. We look forward to continuing to get our products into the hands of as many people as possible and hope to enter several key accounts outside of Bakersfield, California. We also have some innovations in the works…I can't say too much, but this should be an exciting year.