Bling Bling

Bourbon and Boweties took a big hit in 2017. Not in sales — but spirit.

The biggest loss: The 86-year-old grandmother of CEO Carley Ochs, Martha “Mimi” McGill, who became an internet celebrity and backbone of the company, died in April. The Plant City-based company was founded in Mimi's garage. Even when the company outgrew the space, Mimi played a big role in its social media campaigns.

Ochs needed a break after Mimi's death. She spent some time in Yellowstone and went fishing in Alaska.