Success in today’s marketplace is often defined by your ability to create something new while simultaneously paying homage to elements that are classic. While this is certainly no easy task, my journey has allowed me to embody this paradox.

As a woman, a vintner, radio personality, creator and partner of the lifestyle and burgeoning brand Love Cork Screw (LCS), I believe a good bottle of wine should always capture a moment in time. My partners, Tiffany Taylor and Glenn Murray, set out to do just that. More than just a line of varietals and a radio show, LCS is now a full-fledged lifestyle brand dedicated to inform, educate, and entertain the public about events, relationships, and wine.

Since its inception, the LCS brand has acquired 40 locations in Chicago, including chain supermarket Mariano’s and is growing rapidly. Much of the expansion has been attributed to my 14 years of experience in the industry, which has given me the opportunity to develop a keen awareness of what people enjoy and meet the demands of an evolving market.

While the litany of my peaks and valleys has been amazing, it’s not as cool as it looks. I work a full time job managing and selling luxury apparel and accessories. Yet when I walk down the street I get a “hey, you’re the wine lady.” People recognize me for my ability to market fermented grapes to the masses. My Love Cork Screw mind makes my heart pound with excitement, especially as the recognition increases. But it’s not always glamourous. For those that aren’t aware of the demands of the entrepreneur life, there are always meetings, phone calls, and rejections – penny pinching is the name of the game more than anything else.

 

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