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Meet MiShawn Williams of VinoVie | the wine life

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Today we’d like to introduce you to MiShawn Williams.

MiShawn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My “wine life” started by chance .. a sort of serendipity, I guess you could say, of all the pieces falling into place. It all started in 2009 on a trip to Sonoma…

Well, let’s go back further. I got let go from my high-paying, high-flying, bi-coastal Executive Producer job in 2008. At that time, I was used to fancy dinners and nice wine. Suddenly, I found myself without a job, sitting on the couch drinking wine while wondering what my next step would be.

Gone were the days of Cakebread (which was the first $35 wine I remember enjoying) and in were the bottles of “2 Buck Chuck.” Although I knew there was a difference, I didn’t know enough about wine to care.

That all changed on a trip to wine country. That was the trip I discovered the difference between oak and un-oaked Chardonnays, old vine Zinfandels from different vineyards and how deep this rabbit hole of wine could go.

When I returned from that trip, I was ravenous for more education and to taste more wine to develop my palate. It was during a beginner wine class that I learned that I could actually have a business helping people host wine tastings.

I was skeptical at first, “Why would people want to have a wine tasting at home? Isn’t that something people want to go someplace special to do?” But, I quickly realized that it was something I already did with my friends. We hosted, what we called, “Wine Wars,” at our home almost every other month, so why couldn’t I do that with other people and their friends? And, people have a thirst not only for good wine and learning but for sharing and connecting… and, that’s what a private wine tasting is about. The response was amazing!

So, in 2010, I started VinoVie. I called it my “Weekend Wine Business” because I could only do tastings on the weekend as I was still a freelance producer until I decided to fully commit in 2012 and fully transition my career to Wine Consultant and Independent Wine Ambassador with Boisset Collection, an international, family-owned wine company with 25 wineries between France and California.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Overall, yes, it’s been smooth. The hardest struggle was really within myself. I knew myself as a woman with a successful career in a respected, creative industry and now I was changing everything. Would people take me seriously? If it doesn’t work out, what will I do then? What will people, in particular, professionals from my prior industry think? Funny enough, wherever I went and with whomever I shared my new direction, all I got were “Congratulations!” and “Wow, it’s so cool that you’re doing something fun!” So, as are most things in life, all of my struggles were in my head. Needless to say, I got over that.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about VinoVie | the wine life – what should we know?
I’m known for delivering an experience for guests that surpasses their expectations… a tasting experience grounded in fun, engagement, education, and indulgence. And, ultimately, connection.

VinoVie services include everything from producing tastings for small gatherings such as a bridal shower for eight guests in Brentwood to a Wealth Management Client Appreciation tasting in Century City to coordinating a 100-person wine event for the Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles Association of Realtors (BH/GLAAR) on the rooftop of the aka hotel Beverly Hills.

Stocking a 700 bottle walk-in wine cellar with assorted California, French and Italian vintages from the Boisset Collection of wines for a well-known Hollywood luminary represented a real career highlight. This was an opportunity to curate a selection of my premium wines along with a robust array of great everyday ones. It took me over six hours to install it and, in the end, it was exquisite to see each wine beautifully placed by region and varietal.

Lately, the custom label and custom etched bottles that I offer have been very popular with business owners and for special occasions. I love helping people create a memorable brand experience for their business as well.

What sets me apart, and one of my favorite things to do is to mentor other wine lovers who might want to create their own niche in the wine industry. In the eight years of being in my business, I have found that there are many people who love wine, the wine lifestyle and who want to be involved in the wine industry; however, they don’t have the experience or certifications.

I’m able to offer a unique platform and pathway for them to explore that interest and it is really gratifying to be in that position. The philosophy I live by is to grant space for and celebrate full self-expression for all and having a life of having it all. If wine is part of your self-expression … or, self-discovery … we can find a place for it in your life.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had so many really powerful support partners, advocates, and cheerleaders along the way. Without them, I would not have tried as many ideas or been able to continue to expand myself through all the ups-and-downs of having your own business. Most notable is my husband, Ben Kahle, who encouraged me to continue to elevate my brand, VinoVie.

My mentor and friend, Jill Schultz, who continued to push me, encourage me and show me pathways to reach my goals. And, lastly, I have some key referral partners like Natalie Sofer of Natalie Sofer Weddings & Events and Wendy Posner of Posner Fine Art, and several others, who continue to keep me in mind and refer me when they hear of opportunities that are a match for me.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Julie Hopkins/Camera Creations, James Weintraub Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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