We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aamira Garba a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Aamira, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I love telling the story of how I chose to name my brand LoveLee Wine. 8 years ago, when my brand was just a thought, i thought it would be fun to ask my oldest daughter to help me name it. She was 6 at the time, but to know me knows i love including my daughters in my business. I want them to know that at any age they have a voice and can achieve whatever they set their mind to.

So as we were brainstorming, she started saying silly 6 year old names like “sweet goodness of roses” lol. I then said to her in my most supportive and patronizing voice “Mommy just wants to make a lovely wine” and I immediately saw the spelling. Both my daughters’ middle names are Lee so it was only right!

She later made me sign a contract that promises to pay her once I become rich. But it was signed in pencil….so I doubt she can sue me over it lol.

Aamira, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The Lovelee journey began with me making the first-time choice to prioritize myself. As a young mom, wife, and executive, I had immersed myself in the demands of the world, inadvertently neglecting my own needs. I reached a point where I no longer recognized the essence of who I was. I pondered on the dreams of the little girl within me and questioned what I enjoyed beyond my roles as a mother and professional. When did I stop having fun?

After a profound period of soul-searching and personal development, prompted by a lack of fulfillment, I had a realization—I have the privilege of living the life I desire. I have the opportunity to embrace joy, pursue passions, and nurture dreams and aspirations. This journey isn’t an obligation; it’s a choice. I am empowered to live for myself, and in doing so, I create a legacy for my children.

My aim is to impart a lesson to my daughters—to break free from the expectations and burdens that society often imposes on Black women. We have the right to be liberated emotionally, spiritually, and financially. I am committed to being, doing, and having whatever I want in life, setting an example of purposeful living.

In the end, I want to reflect on my life and proudly declare that I lived with intention and purpose, leaving behind a legacy that echoes the freedom to choose, to live, and to be true to oneself.

LoveLee Wine stands proudly as a certified Minority Owned wine brand, specializing in all aspects of wine and wine culture. Garnering recognition, the brand has been featured on Forbes.com and secured two victories at the Wine & Culture fest. What began as a mere idea and dream transformed into a determined reality, producing award-winning wines intended to inspire individuals to lead lives filled with passion and purpose.

We recently launched our first collection titled the Elevate Collection. This collection is made of 4 exquisite wines that truly represent the essence and spirit of the LoveLee Brand. The Regal Rose, Luxe Chardonnay, Pure Joy Pinot, and Winemakers Select Red Blend are not only expertly crafted wines, but they each represent the levels we plan to take the brand to this year and beyond. Elevation, luxury, joy, and exclusivity are just a few of the attributes that make up the LoveLee brand.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I am self-funded, which has been a journey, struggle, and a story of resilience all in one. Building a successful wine brand requires resilience, especially for Black women who often face additional hurdles in accessing funding and resources. The wine and sprits industry is probably one of the most expensive industries to be in. Most large, national brands are a part of legacies, with resources passing down from generation to generation. So without that, I’ve been boot-strapping and thus i completely own my brand.

I still work a 9 to 5 in the tech industry. My day job is my biggest investor in my business. I truly believe in this model for anyone who finds comfort in being a careerprenuer like I am. As a single mom, stability is important. But I believe in myself so much that most of what I make I pour back into myself. Why not? I’ve earned it!

I also utilize business credit, so I make sure to keep a great credit score.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One of the first books I read once I made the decision to start my business is The Power of Broke by Daymond John of Shark Tank. This book is a true gem. It focuses on using the resources you have TODAY to build the brand you see in the future. We don’t always have to over extend our resources or networks. Just be resourceful with what you have now and take small steps. Slow and steady wins the race.

Contact Info:

• Website: loveleewine.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/loveleewine
• Facebook: facebook.com/loveleewine

Image Credits
@bycestlazee @nestbitdigital