Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valerie Settles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Valerie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2018 I found a local winery that offered classes. I found something that I enjoyed doing and continued to hone my craft over the years. In 2020 opened Rosemond Vineyards, LLC.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Valerie J. Rosemond Settles, and I’m proud to call Springfield, MA, my hometown. Since 1999, I’ve embraced life in Virginia, immersing myself in its rich culture and beautiful landscapes. For over twenty years, I’ve worked as a bankruptcy paralegal, but my journey took a delightful turn in 2018 when I stumbled upon the enchanting world of winemaking.
It all began during my weekend explorations of various wineries across Virginia, where I discovered Bacchus Winery in Fredericksburg. Intrigued by their winemaking courses, I eagerly signed up, and a passion was ignited that would change my life. In July 2023, I poured my heart into opening 1% Winery (formerly Rosemond Vineyards), a place where we specialize in crafting exquisite wines tailored to your unique palate.
I used my family and friends as beta testers and took advantage of their help. While at home during COVID, I was able to perfect my craft and research the wine industry. I soon realized that I was spending a considerable amount of money on supplies and needed a tax write-off, so I started my LLC in 2020, never imagining that I would one day own a winery. While working for the federal government and in the private sector during and after COVID, I felt the urge to do something different. I knew I wanted to have some sort of wine business, but I was still unsure how to make it happen.
Having a brick-and-mortar retail shop was never in my plans. I simply wanted a small space to make wine and sell it at festivals. Finding affordable commercial space was nearly impossible. Thanks to a friend broker recommendation, I was able to secure a space that was bigger and cheaper than I could have ever imagined. Although I didn’t have much money saved, I made sure my credit was strong and kept my debt to a minimum in order to step out on my own to fund and open this winery. While this wasn’t a model business plan, it has been working for me.
It’s a good thing we don’t know what lies ahead, as navigating the paperwork and dealing with various state, county, and federal agencies is not for the faint-hearted. I am one of the most optimistic people you’ll ever meet, but there were many days when I just wanted to give up. Then I remembered my vision and that I was now self-employed and continued to push forward.
In July 2023, my brother passed away while I was planning my grand opening. It knocked the wind out of me, but I knew I had to pick up the pieces. I had a lot riding on this opening. Since the space was in a strip mall, I needed to bring something unique to the table. On July 31, 2023, Rosemond Vineyards opened, thanks to the support of my family, friends, and the community. We specialize in crafted wines and creating memories. My vision was to create a relaxing atmosphere with great music and even better vibes. Based on the positive feedback, mission accomplished.
Rosemond Vineyards Winery is a farm winery, which means we support our local agriculture. The majority of our grapes and juice come from local vineyards, and we purchase fruit from local farmers. Supporting local businesses keeps us all thriving. We are also in the process of implementing a recycling program for wine bottles. Bring in your bottles and receive a discount on your next purchase.
What truly sets us apart is our dedication to creating custom wines for all your special moments. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, welcoming a new baby, or hosting other significant events, we are here to help you make those occasions unforgettable. Imagine sipping on a personalized blend of your favorite wines, complete with custom labels, during your reception—these unique bottles also make fantastic party favors! Hosting a gender reveal party? We can create stunning blue and pink wines in elegant dark bottles, ensuring your surprise remains a delightful secret until the grand reveal.
As soon as you step into Rosemond Vineyards Winery, you’ll feel an immediate sense of warmth and belonging. The ambiance is filled with uplifting music that invites you to unwind and flow with the rhythm, while our thoughtfully crafted wines envelop you in a comforting embrace. You can choose to savor your experience in our cozy private tasting rooms or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our main tasting area.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift, our retail space offers a delightful selection of wine glasses, stylish apparel, charming birthday cards, and elegant wine bags each item thoughtfully curated to enhance your experience. For those seeking an exclusive experience, our private tasting rooms and the entire winery are available for reservation by appointment only. Come, relax, and let Rosemond Vineyards Winery be part of your celebration!
My proudest moment was the day I opened my business. All the hard work, team effort, and sleepless nights had finally paid off. Six months later, I won an award at a local wine festival for the best white wine. What an amazing feeling! It was great to be recognized for my efforts. Since then, I have obtained my SWaM (Small, Women-, and Minority-owned business) Certification. Participating in wine festivals has helped boost my brand recognition and revenue. I have started to expand beyond the Virginia area, giving others the chance to experience my products. Ultimately, traveling to Spain, Portugal, and Italy to enhance my training in winemaking is at the top of my list.
None of this would be possible without my amazing staff, who feel more like family. They promote the winery as if it were their own. What I love most about them is how they protect the vibe at all costs!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In early 2024, I received a cease-and-desist letter regarding my use of the name Rosemond Vineyards, LLC. It turned out that there was another winery with a similar name in Virginia, and since they had registered the trademark first, I had to make the difficult decision to change my name after being open for less than a year.
This decision was especially challenging because “Rosemond” is my maiden name, and I hadn’t anticipated any issues using my own name. My advice to anyone starting a business is to conduct thorough research; litigation can be very costly, and I wanted to avoid that route.
While I was initially upset, I’ve come to view this as just a bump in the road. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and I am where I’m supposed to be. I’m now looking forward to the new year, a new brand, and new vibes! Rosemond Vineyards will now be known as Vibin’ With Val.
https://vibinval.com
IG/FB/Yelp: VibinWithValWinery
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
When I discovered that banks were unwilling to lend money to small businesses that were less than two years old, I knew I had to get creative. While banks would issue credit cards, they would not provide cash loans. With my son’s assistance, I applied for a Dunn & Bradstreet number and began seeking business credit cards. I didn’t follow the traditional route for funding my business; instead, I leveraged my excellent credit along with zero-percent balance transfer offers to finance it. I realized that traditional loan options wouldn’t have such favorable terms, so perhaps it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
If I haven’t paid off the credit cards by the end of the promotional period, I simply transfer the balance to another zero-percent offer. I keep this strategy going until all debts are settled. It may not be the most conventional business plan, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I truly believe in my product.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onepercentwinery.com
- Instagram: @onepercentwinery
- Facebook: One Percent Winery
- Yelp: One Percent Winery
Image Credits
J Rose Imaging