Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Zizzi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After twenty years in the entertainment industry, I left the business to work as a freelance photographer and raise my young children. As they got older and I started thinking about a third career, I was inspired by a former colleague to get in to the wine business. I started taking classes to educate myself and started working a retail job at a wine shop in order to “learn the ropes.” After two years of classes and practical experience, I felt ready to take the plunge and began the hard work of building my own wine business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Opening this wine shop and wine bar is truly the most difficult thing I’ve ever down. In the beginning, my husband and I had a rude awakening in zoning laws, city permits, and liquor licenses. And then, once we decided to buy a pre-established business, we had to struggle with the spiraling costs and rigors of renovations and re-branding a business. The two of us had always been employees who made a paycheck and didn’t have to make the tough decisions. This was a whole new, and stressful, world. Raising our two daughters is easier than it was to get this place off the ground. And then, the day after we opened on June 22, 2016, I found my husband dead of a heart attack. Needless to say, I spent the summer in a fog but I had to make this business work. I credit my wonderful employees for keeping the place open while I fought to process this new and debilitating tragedy in my family’s lives.
Oeno Vino Wine Shop and Bar – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in small-batch production wine and beer from around the world. We find little gems and great value wines alike. Much of our product is organic and some is bio-dynamically farmed. We also have a wine bar in the cellar beneath the store that attracts local musicians and comedians, and we were named “Best Open Mic Night in an underground wine bar” in L.A. Weekly’s recent “Best of L.A.” issue. I am most proud of our knowledgeable and friendly staff, as I often receive glowing reviews of their service from customers.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me means growing the business and building a community of wine and beer enthusiasts as regular customers, and of course to reach a point of financial security while doing the thing I love to do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3111 Glendale Blvd., #2
Los Angeles, CA 90039 - Website: oenovinowines.com
- Phone: 323/662-5556
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: oenovinowines.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/oenovino
- Twitter: @oenovinowines
Image Credit:
Suzanne Zizzi
John Wolfenden
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.
