Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya Trent-Pellom.
Hi Sonya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Exquisite Wines nearly nine years ago. Now, initially, we were a wine distributing company. I remember being in love with wine, art, music, and the people that enjoyed all of those things with me. I was also a single mother with the dream of opening a one-of-a-kind wine space with unmatched quality imported and domestic wines.
Although we began as a distributor we quickly found an unexpected but welcomed niche with private and corporate clients. Not only did we begin offering the most elegant wine events. We added consulting, tastings, and pairings. Everything Exquisite offers are customized to the taste of our clients.
After years of organically developing and perfecting my company, the pandemic hit. It was a game-changer for us. We could no longer do business on any phase. I had no choice but to pivot somehow to literally save my company.
I decided to invest in gourmet flavor-infused coffees and teas and eventually olive oils and balsamic. It has been a slow but steady recovery but we are regaining momentum.
This Fall will find Exquisite presenting a total re-branding and emerging as a lifestyle brand.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and No…
Of course, we have experienced growing pains like most growing businesses. The pandemic was a game-changer and forced us to be more involved with social media and broaden our retail offerings.
Struggles/Challenges came with the development and growth of Exquisite Wines LLC. to Exquisite Wines and Cigar, eventually Exquisite Lifestyle
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Exquisite Wines LLC., established in 2013 as the first time African American woman owned wine distribution company in the state of Ohio. Although my business began as a boutique wine distributor, we immediately found a very different niche. Corporate and private clients began requesting consulting and food pairing services. The rest, as they say is history.
Private chefs soon called with requests to pair wines and cigars for guests and event menus. Imagine the elegance a wine and or a cigar bar adds to even the most casual affair. Exquisite never disappoints when it comes to attention to detail, the custom work, and personal attention afforded every client.
As I mentioned, the pandemic presented an opportunity to create a wider space in the market for Exquisite. Our product line is growing and we are re-branding this year. Not only offering consulting services and on-site service additionally, our product line now offers gourmet flavor-infused coffee, loose leaf tea, infused olive oil, and balsamic.
Oh, and not to mention our very first cookbook will be out this fall!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
No Sleep! Research! Network! Network, Network! and consistency is key
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.exquisitewinesandcigars.com
- Instagram: @wexquisite
