We were lucky to catch up with LaKesha Veney recently and have shared our conversation below.
LaKesha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
Ha, where do I start with this question. Both my parents are southerners. Great hospitality, staying humbled, never giving up, treat people as you want to be treated, and keeping faith were constantly instilled in me for as long as I can remember. My mom nurtured my sense of self. As she has stated, I was a very determined child, ( that putting it mildly) so after awhile she felt letting me “do my own thing: was better than discipline. She realized that we had different personalities and were opposite in many ways. I was the only child for nine years. My mom did not try to over engage me with the company of other children. She would say “be still and get your thoughts together”, which is why I daydream A LOT and enjoy it! I felt confident, I could stand up for myself, and learned to trust your own voice, my parents gave me the foundation of love, and self worth.
They modeled resilience to navigate challenges without giving up—and how to bounce back after a hard challenge—they taught me, and was a great example how to persevere with dignity and grit.
My strong sense of values… to do right or wrong was embedded deep to how my life would be blessed, The word failure was not recognized in our household as that…. My mom says until this day, “it wasn’t meant to be and GOD has something better in store for you! My dad was the funny parent, he kept me laughing. not a lot of discipline there but truly a perfect balance for me. He taught me to back my car in and never go to bed hungry! I took that and ran with it! My brother has reminded me often, the core of who I am comes from our mother…I just smile. My parents were hard working 9 to 5 people. My mom worked far, would let me play outside most days and would still cooked homemade meals daily. I seen her strength in so many ways. Not sure they really relate to my entrepreneurial spirit but approaching 11 years now, they always ask if I have a show to do. that makes me smile, I reply, yes I have and event…. I emphasize the word event. clearly the word is “show” is fine to them! My mom loves going with me to the events to hang out. Many ask for her in her absence. Sometimes I think people look for her before me…. I love that! She makes me laugh when she asks about the square terminal. She use to ask “where does the money go and how do you get it” (smile)
My parents live about 20 minutes from me. I continue to enjoy creating memories with them. I cherish both of them so much, and though we are not exactly alike, my mom gets to witness compliments from my customers at my ” shows” which represents her well. I celebrated my mom’s 80th birthday this May and my dad will be 81 in December. My mother still has such wisdom. Gosh, I feel so blessed to still have them with me. I keep their voicemails on my cell phone to ALWAYS hear be able to listen to their voices.
My parents are not perfect, no one is, however, they were perfect for my life and because of them I am a well-adjusted adult. I parent my 16 year son with the same foundation I was taught. Although, his generation is quite different, the core values taught to me will never change for a blessed balanced life. Without a doubt my strength and faith…. I got it from my mama!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
DeVine Handz started as a local catering company, servicing the DMV area. I am Lakesha Veney, the proud owner of DeVine Handz and a native of Washington DC. Guided and inspired by my southern parents, I began experimenting with cooking at the age of four. My philosophy is that the best cooking begins with having passion and respect for quality ingredients and ends with a imagination and desire to delight the palate. I favor an experimental approach to culinary education.
A career changer, I left the field of physical therapy after a decade and decided to step behind the stove to put my heart and skills to work. I began preparing family meals for relatives and friends who had been asking me to do so for many years. In 2009, I decided to pursue my natural passion and start my own small local business. In April 2025, I became certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council as WOSB and WBE. I remain a solo business owner.
Described as “a fresh contemporary edge” word of mouth and “taste of food” has been the catalyst for DeVine Handz. Word spread about the unique blending of flavors at tastings and events that potential clients were lining up. I catered events for wine festivals and wineries, weddings, parties, corporate events, and even repasts…wherever good food was requested! I have had the pleasure to delight a diverse clientele with my passion for cooking.
In September 2014, I was asked to be a vendor in a bridal expo to prepare hor d’ourves for their upcoming cocktail wedding reception. My intentions was to “WOW” 30 brides with my selections and keep their palates dazzled with a trendy, sophisticated and edible favor to take home, and hoping I would be their selected vendor. I combined my passion for food and admiration for wine together and created DeVine Wine Jelly. At the time, I was doing wine tastings for a local winery and thought it was a unique idea. I began to experiment with jelly ingredients and the premium fruit wine, instantly the perfect recipe and consistency was created. Unfortunately the event was cancelled, so the jellies were given to family, friends and customers at local spirit stores. It was well received from those whom tasted it. Many insisted that I present this to markets, wineries and retailers. My entrepreneurial juices started to flow and the DeVine Wine Jelly journey began. I am extremely proud to have created a unique product that is enjoyed year ’round among family and friends. A true blessing in disguise.
In October 2014, I proudly launched my new product! Six fabulous flavors of vegan wine jellies, Blackberry Merlot, Peach Chardonnay, Cranberry Shiraz, Jalapeno Green Apple Riesling, Coconut-Lime Riesling, and Sangria. DeVine Wine Jelly has sold in 17 states including Alaska!
DeVine Wine Jelly has held tastings at Williams-Sonoma in Annapolis Md, and various wine festivals throughout Maryland. DeVine Wine Jelly has received great reviews. In March 2018, for National Women’s History Month, Cuisine Noir Magazine reviewed DeVine Wine Jelly Blackberry Merlot as a food, wine and travel must-have. Mahisha Dellinger as seen on OWN “Mind Your Business” reviewed it as a “delicious product”. Chocolate DeVine Wine syrup was created and made with the scrumptious Chocolate port wine. It was first released and enjoyed in March 2019 and is truly delectable! Some of my private crafted products are Lavender Wine Jelly using organic lavender exclusively available at for Star-Bright Farm. https://starbright-farm.com. Robin Hill Farm & Vineyard Just Peachy wine jelly, Blueberry Thrill wine jelly, Home Sweet Home wine jelly and PI’ Goat wine jelly exclusively at www.robinhillfarmandvineyards.com. Jamaicas Rum Punch jelly exclusively at www.jamaicasfinestcocktails.com. As of April 2023, DVWJ has collaborated with Chateau Elan Winery and Spa in Braselton, Georgia. Sold on shelves and served on the charcuterie boards. The Salamander Hotel in Washington DC served the favorite Blackberry Merlot for Thanksgiving brunch 2024. I am grateful for all the collaborations and support I have gained this far. I mostly enjoy the delightful conversations I have at the many events across Maryland. I am looking forward to the continuous growth in the community and many more retail opportunities in the near future.
I have a deep passion and imagination for food and wine. DeVine Wine Jelly is vegan, gluten – free and brings a fresh new edge to foodies and wine enthusiast to savor and enjoy every day with intention. I feel, ultimately everything a person seeks is a mean to feel happy and fulfilled. The enjoyment of good food and wine nearly always offers a very simple yet wonderful route. I enjoy entertaining people’s emotion through the art of combining food and wine. I am ambitious and confident that through my natural creativity, I will capture the hearts and palates of many.
My main ingredient is LOVE! Take the journey with me, as DeVine Wine Jelly continues to blossom and become recognized as one of the up and coming establishments nationwide!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
DeVine Wine Jelly is a unique concept, a niche offering a healthy vegan, gluten free way to enjoy wine without the negative reactions. I want my customers recognize the care and quality in my handcrafted small-batch products. I have consistently delivered flavorful, high-quality jellies, which builds trust. My eye-catching packaging, presentation, and product availability remains consistent key for repeat customers and retailers. For this I have constantly received compliments. Using local wines or ingredients connects my products to the community. Sampling is a very important component that helps people taste and connect with the brand. My personal interactions at these events likely made a lasting impression—humanizing the brand. Lots of conversations and laughs are shared during my events. I feel they are well remembered as they enjoy the jelly at home with family and friends. Truly, makes me feel I am in the moment with them. My memorable logo, labels, and packaging makes my product shelf-worthy and gift-friendly for all occasions. Consistent branding across social media, with a little personal touch of my family and my website, built recognition. Satisfied customers recommend me to friends or brought my jelly to events and holiday parties. I enjoy personalizing, handwritten thank-you notes with each order, and quick replies to emails or text, helps create loyalty. Partnering with wineries, small business or other local makers amplified my reach. I may be rich for all the times I share my journey, how I got started, what I use to do, and how this was only supposed to be a wedding favor not a business. That really builds an emotional connection. Most people say they hear my passion when I am speaking about it—adds authenticity. I embrace the much-needed encouraging words from my customers. I will never get tired of sharing my story, without the years of support, I would not still be standing. Thank you!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting a business like DeVine Wine Jelly is often necessary for growth and or survival, especially in a niche market.
The first real pivot for me and most small businesses was during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Event cancellations, closed retail locations, supply chain issues was unreal and happening so fast. I had to pivot quickly. What was a big help is the seeds and hard work I put in previous years. It was confirmed with the online orders growing the most in 2020. I had to open my brand up to a broader audience outside of local events. Like retailer and wholesalers. Market education to consumers who weren’t familiar with wine jelly or unsure how to use it. Suggested social content to show versatility (e.g., with cheese boards, meats, desserts). Added gift sets for holidays, subscription boxes, or wholesaled to retailers to create more stable income streams.
Brand expansion, realized the brand could represent more than just jelly (e.g., gourmet lifestyle or wine-based essentials). Added DeVine stemware included the slanted wine glass for the ultimate wine tasting experience. The bambo hands free appetizer plate with wine glass holder and the portable wine table for outdoor fun which was a popular way to entertain at that time. I reinvented DeVine Wine Jelly to be an experience….and it is still that….. A DeVine experience, A gourmet lifestyle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.devinewinejelly.com
- Instagram: DeVine Wine Jelly
- Facebook: DeVine Wine Jelly
Image Credits
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