We recently connected with Monique Griffin and Angela Edwards and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ladies, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
While navigating daily tasks at our day jobs, we often find ourselves lost in thoughts of fully embracing our business. This persistent daydream isn’t prompted by workload stress; rather, it stems from our deep-seated passion for wine. We’ve stumbled upon something that we genuinely adore, a feeling that has reshaped our perception of work. The allure of our current job has dimmed in comparison to the fulfillment we find in our business. With each passing day, we yearn for the flexibility that comes with being our own boss.
We really talked about that and as we reflected further, we realized that the decision to leave our full-time jobs isn’t one to be taken lightly. It’s not just about following our passion; it’s also about practical considerations like financial stability and the impact on our personal lives. We thought about the risks involved in leaving behind the security of a steady paycheck and the uncertainties that come with entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that, while we may have moments of longing for the freedom of full-time entrepreneurship, there’s value in maintaining a balance for now. Our day jobs provide stability and resources that support our business endeavors, allowing us to grow The Pour Up Wine at a pace that feels sustainable. It’s a journey, and we are learning to embrace the process, trusting that the right time to make the leap will reveal itself when the stars align! Until then, we will continue to pour our hearts into both our business and our jobs, grateful for the opportunities they have made for us.
Monique Griffin and Angela Edwards, 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?
We are half sisters who have the same father and we are a decade apart in age.
I, Monique, having enjoyed wine socially with friends for years, recognized its power to bring people closer together through meaningful conversations. Inspired by my experiences and fueled by a desire to turn my passion into a business, I approached my sister, Angela, with the idea of starting a wine company. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I, Monique, decided to take the leap and turn my dream into reality.
From the very beginning, we both fully immersed ourselves in building The Pour Up wine. We poured our creativity into every aspect, designing the logo and label ourselves to infuse the brand with our personal touch. At the heart of The Pour Up wine is the belief that great wine should be accompanied by endless conversation, which is why we created conversation games to accompany each bottle. As time went on, Angela’s journey with wine evolved, and she fell even deeper in love with the artistry and intricacies of winemaking!
In response to these challenges, we decided to embark on a new venture: opening our own wine bar named The Pour Up Wine Bar, with a focus on supporting black-owned wine brands. We saw this as an opportunity to not only expand our business but also to help others who face similar obstacles in the wine industry.
At the core of The Pour Up wine’s brand identity is a commitment to fun and inclusivity. We want our customers to feel comfortable and relaxed, encouraging lively conversations, laughter, singing and dancing in their seats. We aspire to create a space where everyone feels welcome to let loose and have a good time.
Despite the obstacles we’ve faced, we remain resilient and determined to succeed. We believe in the power of perseverance and are committed to expanding our business within the wine industry. Above all, we want potential customers to know that The Pour Up wine is more than just a wine company—it’s a fun-loving, inclusive community where everyone is invited to join in the celebration. Cheers to The Pour Up wine, where every sip is a toast to joy, connection, and endless possibilities!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
We’ve learned to let go of the need for the perfect shot and instead focus on being genuine. Yes, we love hip hop and R&B. Yes, we love to dance and let loose. And yes, sometimes we even shake our ass—it’s all about having fun and staying true to ourselves. If someone doesn’t vibe with our vibe, then they’re probably not our target audience anyway.
In person, you might find us a bit more reserved, yet still energetic and all smiles. But online, we’ve been steadily growing our followers organically since 2020, long before we even had a product to sell. It wasn’t until August 2021 that we finally had our product in hand, but by then, we had already built a loyal following who embraced us for who we are.Our advice for growing your social media presence? Find your niche and own it. Stay true to yourself, and your audience will find you. At The Pour Up, we’ve stayed committed to our authenticity, and it’s paid off in more ways than we could have imagined. So, don’t be afraid to let your true colors shine on social media—you might just attract your tribe along the way.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In the early days of our journey, we faced countless setbacks and challenges. From navigating the complexities of starting a business during a pandemic to struggling to get our products into stores, the road was far from smooth. However, instead of letting these obstacles deter us, we chose to lean into our resilience. We persevered through the uncertainties, staying true to our vision and unwavering in our commitment to providing exceptional wine experiences. Despite the setbacks, we continued to push forward, adapting and evolving with each new challenge. And through it all, our resilience never wavered. It’s this resilience that has allowed us to overcome adversity, grow stronger, and emerge even more determined to succeed. Today, as we reflect on our journey, we’re proud to say that resilience isn’t just a word—it’s a defining characteristic of who we are and what we stand for at The Pour Up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepourupwine.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thepourupwine
- Facebook: facebook.com/thepourupwine
- Other: Our wine bar is set to open soon. Our social media for our wine bar is Instagram: instagram.com/thepourupwinebar and Facebook: facebook.com/thepourupwinebar