As part of our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem, we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur Gwen Hurt for an interview with us to understand more about her exciting entrepreneurial journey so far. She is a Seasoned Entrepreneur, Business Leader, Speaker, Mentor and Founder & CEO of Shoe Crazy Wine. Shoe Crazy is a wine and distribution company with six varietals of delicious and modestly priced wines perfect for the casual soft palate wine drinker. To produce finest quality fine they use grapes from select vineyards in the North And Central coasts of California. Let’s learn more about her inspiring journey, way forward and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Gwen:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please;
I didn’t grow up under the easiest of circumstances. I was raised by a single mother and as the oldest girl was responsible for helping to raise my siblings. My mother was mostly illiterate but found the strength to leave South Carolina and a physically abusive husband.
She took us 4 kids, a few dollars and a can of pork and beans and headed north! My mother’s example and courage helped shape the person I am today! Her journey taught me to keep the faith and never give up. Sometimes, we had very little to eat and only 1 pair of shoes to wear for the whole year! Cardboard was our go-to product. It repaired many a worn-out shoe sole.
As a kid, I always said, “One day I am going to have enough money to eat until my stomach is full and I am going to buy as many shoes as I want”! Thus, the shoe has always been very symbolic in my life. Prior to launching Shoe Crazy Wine, I worked for a Fortune 300 Tech Company.
Built a Global Process and Controls organization and led a high performance, cross-cultural team located in multiple geographic locations (The Americas, Asia, Western and Eastern Europe). During my travels, I learned to appreciate a smooth glass of wine. I became enamoured of the intricacies of wine. My new passion!
In 2013 hardship struck. I was downsized by the company in which I had spent 15 plus years and two days later was in a car accident that would take me and my daughter nearly a year to recover. During my physical therapy and rehabilitation, I made the decision to “NOT” succumb to my circumstances. I told my daughter Brittny “we are going into the wine business.”
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
I think often of the words my mom lived by and taught me. Never look for success outside. Look for it within. When you’re told you’re not good enough. Understand that you are better than what “they” say you are!
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
Having lived this rollercoaster journey of entrepreneurship, I wouldn’t trade it for a corporate career!”
It has taught me resilience and brought out the tenacity needed to stay in the game.
You are the Founder and CEO of ‘Shoe Crazy Wine’ that has such a unique name. Our audience would love to know what kind of problem are you solving with the help of your startup?
I didn’t start out to solve any problem except my own. I had no intention of giving up because I had a physical and financial setback. But in doing so I have helped to elevate the sweet wine consumer. They don’t have to feel less than appreciated.
During this COVID-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
We are following the CDC guidelines. We also do not sell retail. Our products are wholesale which allows us to continue to operate.
Given the rapid pace at which the world is changing, what are the leadership traits that are necessary for success?
1 – Delivering your Vision Clearly to your team
2 – Knowing when and understanding how to Pivot
3 – Reassessing one’s Strategy based on Market needs
4 – Tenacity
Please share with us what has worked well for you so far?
1 – Determination and focus on the goals have set for myself.
2 – Building a 2-year, 3-year 5-year plan
In your opinion – what is more necessary: Idea or a good team for a successful startup?
I think both are equally necessary. Even if it’s just a team of one. The idea only gains traction if there is someone to bring it to life and ultimately launch or implement it.
We would love to know your advice for all those starting out as an aspiring women entrepreneur? How important is social connect?
I would strongly encourage anyone starting out to research the industry they’re going to make an impact in/on. I started Shoe Crazy Wine because I needed something to focus on besides the situation I was in. My decision was based on emotion not hard facts or research.
A couple of our wines have a social and human message:
Sweet Harmony– The wine label for this sweet white wine is black and white because when we launched this wine, we felt it should reflect the harmony needed in our nation after the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson. I felt we needed some harmony in this country, that was in 2014 and this is still relevant today!
Sweet Bella– This wine was created for my mom who loved sweet red wine but could not have it after she was diagnosed with the onset of Dementia. I decided to create a low alcohol sweet red that she could have a ½ glass with her meds and not be affected adversely. My mom Mable helped me to name the wine. We both loved the name Bella. She said it sounded exotic. Sweet Bella was born! She was able to enjoy her red wine. I lost my mom to Covid 19. I celebrate every sale of Sweet Bella in honour of my mom.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
