We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shay Marie . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shay below.

Alright, Shay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

This is a major part of starting a business! One of the first thoughts that came to my mind was, “who’s going to support me?” In the very beginning (because I’m still in the beginning stages) all of my supporters were solely my family, friends and co workers. Naturally, I’ve found that as I continue growing my business; most of my supporters are those who don’t personally know me. I love that consumers can view my work and trust that I will deliver each and every time!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Detroit Ml naive who migrated to Atlanta Georgia in 2007. By 2008 I began my bartending career at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. I’m currently employed at a company that I’ve been with for 8 years. While being consistent in my role as an employee for the company, I have developed a passion for wines across the world. I fell in love with how different foods and flavors changed my appreciation for wines and vice versa.

I started my charcuterie business in 2019 and began getting serious about it at the end of 2020. Prior to launching my business, I picked up a hobby of making boards at home for lunch occasionally with my kids. One day I decided to invite some friends over and they were blown away. They inspired me to start a business and I took action! I create charcuterie boards, boxes, grazing tables, cups, cones… you name it! I also host public and private charcuterie workshops + wine tastings.

What sets me apart from others in this line of business is that I have years of wine knowledge under my belt. Also, an impeccable pairing knowledge & a bright vision! I have a way of educating my guest/consumers in ways where they comfortably come out of their shells and try new flavors.

I’m most proud that I’m a dedicated business owner! I’ve built my brand from pure scratch and it’s growing day by day! When times are quiet I pivot and keep pushing. I am showing my kids the ropes of what it’s like to be a business owner and how important it is remain professional and persistent. Failure is not an option.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Social media! Free marketing can’t compare to anything else! However, you have to be consistent in such a way where you’re working around the clock! Outside of that, I network everywhere I go. I typically wear a teeshirt with my brand on it. I hand out business cards to cashiers at different stores. I’ve even been at Home Goods store and handed two ladies my business cards who were checking out wooden cutting boards. I am my biggest fan and I am my “walking” billboard.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

For a long time I depended on Instagram to keep in touch with my clients until I realized how many people I wasn’t reaching. Recently, I hired a digital marketing manager who keeps me in front of my clients via email along with text messages as well as different platforms.

Contact Info:

• Website: Winenotxperience.com
• Instagram: Winenotxperience
• Facebook: Winenot Xperience
• Linkedin: Winenot Xperience
• Other: TikTok: Winenotxperience

Image Credits
@simonereneephoto on IG