We were lucky to catch up with Coly Den Haan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Coly, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I have worked in the hospitality industry for most of my life, in almost every aspect but most passionately about wine. After selling my last bar and restaurant, and frankly being burnt out on that side of the industry, opening a retail wine shop seemed like the most natural progression. Seeing that there are many great wines shops in LA, I knew I had to set myself apart. I wanted to create something that meant something to me and reflected both my passion and struggles in this business. This is how Vinovore was born!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Vinovore is the first wine shop ever to only carry women winemakers. Firstly, we wanted to support women in business, knowing first hand how tough it can be. Wine is a business, a very male dominated business, so by choosing to only carry women winemakers, we are supporting many women in business.
Secondly, knowing that women were the number one consumers of wine in both retail and restaurants, we noticed that the only way the industry catered to women was with basic, pool-party rosés and tired “moms need their fix” memes. The women that we know, that love wine, are smart, talented, strong, and independent. We wanted to create a space that catered to them.
Thirdly, we wanted to only carry natural wines and do so in a way that was approachable and educational. It’s crucial for our environment to shine a light on how “Big Wine” is polluting and damaging our earth. The fundamental principles behind Natural wine is to to give back to our eco system, not strip it away for profit. Also, Natural Wine is better for our health and hangovers!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The biggest one for me is don’t be afraid of failure. Truthfully, I’ve had more failures than successes it can seem at times. Picking myself up off the floor to try again has not always been easy, but every time I do, I am stronger and wiser for it. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I have thrown millions of ideas against a wall and only a few have stuck, but that’s all it takes. They can’t all be winners but staying creative and motivated really has kept me going. Sometimes you never know where something will lead, and oftentimes things evolve and change from the original concept, so don’t be afraid to roll with it. Can’t stop, won’t stop is my motto!
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I’ve been very lucky to have many wonderful and not so wonderful people and mentors in my life. I find you can learn just as much from people who are wrong or do you wrong as you can from the ones who are right. Find the silver lining in everyone if you can. This being said, Los Angeles has many aspiring women in the wine business whom I constantly turn to for insight and advice. My wife is pretty amazing too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vinovore.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinovorela
Image Credits
The Wine Zine; Vinovore; Jenny Caloca
