We were lucky to catch up with Chrissy Doles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chrissy, thanks for joining us today. How did you find your key vendor or vendors? Maybe you can share the backstory and share some context and the relevant details to help us understand why you chose them, why they chose you, etc.
When working in the wine industry it is key in working with licensed distributor to sell your products. The wine, beer and spirts industry is very regulated so you must follow laws in each state to get your products in retail stores. I have been blessed to meet some amazing people on this journey that believe in my brand and I have found to powerful women in my opinion in the South Carolina area, Mary Anna Ossa with BNC Wine Company. This hot Latina became my friend at an event we shared and has held my hand in the process of getting the right license for the South Carolina area and under her leadership, Parlare Wines ended up in Napa at Kingsley in Fort Mill, SC which is a very exclusive restaurant for that area. My other amazing diva is Yolanda Holliday with Onyx distributors company. I was introduced to her by another young lady from an women’s business event. Yolanda, has been in my corner for months working with the state of North Carolina to get Parlare Wines in to retail stores. What I have learned is that is depends on the relationships you build with people in this business that makes or breaks you.
Chrissy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Well I am Chrissy! The brand creator of Parlare Wines. I am a woman of color that start a wine brand using my 401k and savings during the pandemic. I got involved in this industry from my love of wineries. I saw how people came together with their glasses raised high and smiles on their faces and I thought , how can I be apart of these moments for everyone? Business has always been apart of me. From my childhood I remember thinking I wanted to wear suits daily and talk to people about important things. I was very disciplined as a child. I would get myself up for school, do my own hair and make my own food and I believe that has prepared me for this moment. The problem I solve as soon as it come about is shipping. We cannot always get there in time for that special moment but if it is within my power I will make sure that bottle that is apart of that toast and that speech is there in hands ready for the first sip. I think that is what sets me apart, I am personal with my clients. I am still small in business but I hope to keep that connection with people. That makes me proud to know I brought smiles in a bottle. I was most proud this month to see my followers get me over2k follows on IG. The fact that over 2k people know me but I have never met them but they believe in my brand is amazing and I just thank them so much!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
As I said, I started my business using my 401K and savings during the pandemic. I like so many others found myself scared of what would happen to my job and I thought to myself I need to invest in me because if this job goes how will I survive? When I saw that people started pulling out of their savings and 401k accounts with out penalties, my mind said now is the time. I first paid up any bills I had outstanding and made sure my mortgage was paid months up and then I started reviewing my savings. I looked into how to start business videos, watched hours of YouTube on wine business and from there I reached out to wineries and there start the reality of a dream. I can say I used about 20k or more to start this and that is not easy money to come by and it goes very fast but it has been worth the ride! Look at me being interviewed by you!!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media is a beast by itself and it took now 2 yrs to get over 2k followers. The key I can say is consistency. You need to post every day, learn the hot tags, the best reels what is the new music and what how it is done and see if it can fit your business. I follow others in the same industry too. it is nothing wrong with watching others we are all here to learn if you ask me. I am only just beginning in social media but I will say just when you think you are not growing, keep at it! The followers are coming.
Contact Info:
- Other: TikTok ParlarewithChrissy
Image Credits
James D with dmenvisionsphotography