We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Shelko recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brianna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Marble Wines was born from a deep appreciation for artistry and individuality. Like Marble – the stone – each piece has its unique veining, patterns, and character; no two are exactly alike. This perfectly symbolizes our celebration of individual expression and the beauty of diversity.

What’s particularly meaningful about Marble is its use throughout history in art and architecture to create lasting beauty. Similarly, we’re building something that we hope will have a lasting impact on the wine industry, breaking down barriers and opening minds to what’s possible when women of different cultures collaborate. This vision is reflected in our founding partnership – Latoya and I come from various backgrounds, races, and generations. Yet, we’ve joined forces to create something unique and meaningful. Our collaboration demonstrates the beautiful possibilities when diverse perspectives come together with a shared purpose.

Beyond the metaphorical meaning, we loved how the word ‘Marble’ has a certain warmth and approachability despite its association with luxury. This aligns perfectly with our brand promise of being accessible to everyone – from the casual wine drinker to the most sophisticated palate.

Ultimately, we chose Marble because it represents everything we stand for – beauty in individuality, enduring quality, and the art of creating moments that bring people together. Whether enjoying a glass alone or sharing a bottle with friends, each Marble Wines experience is unique and personal, just like the stone that inspired our name.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey to co-founding Marble Wines began through my professional relationship with Latoya Jordan. We had collaborated on various projects together and, over time, developed a strong mutual respect for each other’s work and perspectives. When Latoya shared her experience helping a client create a wine brand, only to have her value diminished at the final hour, it deeply resonated with me.

I’ve navigated my share of failed collaborations and partnerships as an entrepreneur. I know firsthand what it feels like to be overlooked or have my value questioned simply because I’m a woman or because I don’t fit a particular aesthetic. These experiences can either break you or fuel you to create something meaningful that challenges those barriers you’ve encountered.

When Latoya mentioned her vision for creating a wine brand that would celebrate women’s individuality and foster genuine connection, I immediately understood the power of what she was proposing. This wasn’t just about selling wine; it was about creating space for women who have too often been told they don’t belong or aren’t enough. I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of this mission, and I approached Latoya about joining as a minority partner.

Our partnership is particularly special because of our different backgrounds, races, and generations bringing unique perspectives to Marble Wines. We’re living proof of what’s possible when women unite and support each other’s vision. Every decision we make, from our collaborative partnerships to our artistic direction, reflects our commitment to creating a brand that truly celebrates the beauty of individuality.

Like many others, the wine industry has traditionally operated within a narrow framework of who belongs and who gets to succeed. Through Marble Wines, we’re challenging these norms and creating our own table—one where all women are welcome, regardless of their wine expertise or background. This isn’t just business for us; it’s a movement toward greater inclusion and representation in an industry that sorely needs it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building our social media presence for Marble Wines has been a natural extension of my background in social media marketing. Having worked in this space before co-founding Marble, I brought strategic insights to growing our digital community in a way that authentically reflects our brand values of inclusion and connection.

Our strategy centers on storytelling and community building rather than just product promotion. We share the real stories behind our brand – from the artists who design our labels to the women who discover and enjoy our wines. These authentic narratives resonate far more than perfectly staged product shots ever could.

For those just starting out, here’s what my experience in social media marketing has taught me works best:

First, stay true to your brand’s purpose. For us, that means showcasing diverse women enjoying wine their way, whether a casual glass after work or a special celebration.

Second, engage authentically with your community. We share these moments in real time when we host events or participate in tastings. Our followers appreciate seeing the human side of our brand, including the challenges we face as a female-founded wine label breaking into a traditional industry.

Third, leverage your existing network strategically. My background in social media has taught me the power of nurturing brand advocates. Some of our most engaging content comes from our brand ambassadors and supporters naturally sharing their Marble moments. When people believe in your mission, they want to help spread the word.

Finally, be patient and consistent. While my marketing background has helped us grow more efficiently, authentic community building still takes time. What matters is creating genuine connections and staying true to your brand values. Success isn’t just about follower counts – it’s about creating a digital community that reflects the inclusive, connected world we want to see in the wine industry.

Remember, social media is just one tool in building your brand. Make it authentic and meaningful, and let it naturally amplify the mission you’re already passionate about.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Events have undoubtedly been our most powerful source for connecting with new clients. There’s no better way to build genuine relationships with our community than having Latoya and I share our product, story, and mission.

When we host events, it’s never just about pouring wine—it’s about creating an experience. We infuse each gathering with our personalities and passion for what we’re building. I think people are drawn to our energy and the fun atmosphere we create. We’re not just founders talking about our product; we’re women who genuinely enjoy connecting with others and sharing these moments together.

What we’ve found particularly powerful is that personal connection with brand owners resonates with people. When someone meets us at an event, hears our story firsthand, and understands why we created Marble Wines, it creates a lasting impression. They remember the laughs we shared, the conversations about breaking barriers in the wine industry, and our mission to make wine more inclusive and approachable.

This face-to-face interaction allows us to demonstrate precisely what Marble Wines stands for – fostering genuine connections and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. When people experience our authenticity and enthusiasm in person, they become more than customers; they become part of our community and often our strongest advocates.

No marketing campaign or social media strategy can replicate the impact of having someone taste our wines while hearing directly from us about why we started this journey and what we’re working to achieve in the industry. These personal interactions have been absolutely crucial to our growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marblewines.com
• Instagram: marblewines
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marblewines
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7294445994425896960/

Image Credits

Hannah Lozano Photography