What happens when you decide to leave the corporate world to start your own small business? Stephanie Franklin knows that decision all too well. Once pursuing a career in AdTech, Franklin left behind her corporate job to share her passion for wine with the world. Now the CEO and founder of Fly Wines, Franklin’s goal is to revolutionize the wine experience and emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the wine industry.
We understand you left your career in AdTech to go into the wine business. What made you decide to make the leap?
Leaving the AdTech industry to pursue my passion for wine was a deeply personal decision. While I enjoyed my career in AdTech, I felt a strong pull towards the world of wine, which had always been a significant part of my life. The opportunity to immerse myself fully in an industry I was passionate about, and to create something meaningful with Fly Wines, ultimately led me to make the leap. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my love of wine with others through Fly Wines. The untimely passing of my mom further underscored the importance of following my heart and fully embracing this new chapter in my life.
There are a lot of wine businesses out there – what sets yours apart?
What sets Fly Wines apart is our commitment to showcasing unique, handpicked wines from independent wineries around the world. We prioritize authenticity, diversity and quality, curating a selection that tells a story with every bottle. Our focus on underrepresented regions and varietals allows us to offer wine enthusiasts a fresh and adventurous tasting experience.
Statistics show that out of the 11,000+ wineries in the U.S., less than 1% are Black-owned. How can we encourage more diversity in the industry?
Encouraging diversity in the wine industry involves more than just supporting minority-owned wineries; it requires fostering inclusive communities and advocating for equitable policies. Education and mentorship programs can empower aspiring professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. Community engagement events celebrate diversity and provide platforms for marginalized voices. Supplier diversity programs and consumer awareness efforts also play key roles in advancing diversity and representation in the industry.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given as a Black woman-owned business?
The best piece of advice I’ve received as a Black woman-owned business is to avoid treating my business like a child, as it can lead to missed opportunities for growth. It’s important to remain open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they challenge my own beliefs. This mindset allows the business to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, ultimately leading to greater success.
What do you have in store for the future of Fly Wines?
For the future of Fly Wines, we’re planning to enhance our in-person event engagements, focusing on wine and food pairing experiences, as well as expanding our virtual events. We aim to offer more personalized wine experiences to cater to individual palates through our membership services. Additionally, we’ll grow our distribution network to expand our partnerships with independent wineries. Looking ahead, we envision opening tasting rooms in major cities, providing brick-and-mortar locations for everyone to enjoy our curated selection of wines.
Anything else you would like to add or share?
Absolutely. Diversity and inclusivity are not just ideals but imperatives for the growth and evolution of the wine industry. The foundation we’re laying at Fly Wines is rooted in these values, aiming to mirror the rich diversity of the country we live in. Through our journey, we hope to inspire others like us to pursue their passions and dreams in the wine world, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community for all.
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