Meet Tymari Lore

We were lucky to catch up with Tymari Lore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tymari, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

From the moment my mother decided to name me Tymari, my journey of embracing individuality began. For most of my life, I have been the only one with my name—a distinction that, as a child, sometimes made me feel different in a way I didn’t fully appreciate. But over time, I came to understand how empowering it was to be one of one.

That realization shaped my confidence and my approach to every challenge I’ve faced, both personally and professionally. Knowing who I am at my core—embracing my uniqueness—has allowed me to navigate spaces where I may be the only one like me in the room. Rather than seeing it as a disadvantage, I’ve learned to see it as a strength. It has fueled my resilience, sharpened my adaptability, and given me the confidence to take up space and make an impact.

Being successful and effective in those moments comes down to owning who you are, standing firmly in your identity, and understanding that your perspective brings value. That belief has guided me throughout my journey, and it continues to drive me forward.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Tymari LoRe, and I’m a wine business and winemaking consultant, a passionate wine enthusiast, an adventure seeker, and a proud dog mom. I’ve been in the wine industry for 21 years, starting my journey in winemaking and following that passion across the globe for a little more than a decade before transitioning into winery management.

I’ve been fortunate to work with startups, where I had every facet of the industry thrown at me—learning not only how to navigate it but how to thrive in it. Those experiences shaped my expertise and deepened my understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a successful wine business.

Today, I run my own consulting firm, where I help wineries with everything from business strategy and financial projections to winemaking, hospitality, and operations. What excites me most is the opportunity to support brands in crafting not just great wine, but also strong, sustainable businesses that can evolve and grow.

I have a special passion for working with small wineries, often without a tasting room, helping them find their voice, define their vision, and bring their wines to the people. Currently, I’m working with five brands, three of which—Luna Hart Wines, Piazza Family Wines, and McKinney Family Vineyards—are boutique producers on the verge of something truly special. Their wines are made with a natural, sustainable approach, and I’m honored to help guide them as they step into their full potential.

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?

Looking back, three key things had the biggest impact on my journey: hands-on experience, grit & grace, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from a high school teacher who told me to do as many internships as possible. He recognized that I learn best by doing and encouraged me to explore different roles to figure out what I loved—or didn’t love—about them. This approach not only gave me more work experience than most of my peers by the time I graduated, but it also helped me hone in on what truly ignites my passion. I always recommend that those early in their careers take every opportunity to gain real-world experience—internships, side projects, or just saying “yes” to new challenges. The more you do, the more clarity you gain.

Grit & grace are the two qualities that have taken me the furthest. I’m a true Aries—bold, passionate, and direct—but I’ve learned the importance of balancing that intensity with grace. Resilience is crucial in any industry, but especially in wine, where so much is out of your control. You need the fire to push through challenges but also the ability to step back, stay open, and adapt. My advice? Lean into your natural strengths but always be mindful of how you navigate challenges—both require balance.

Finally, one of the most impactful things I did as a young adult was continuously put myself in challenging, unfamiliar situations. I traveled and lived in foreign countries where I didn’t speak the language, studied wine around the world, and immersed myself in different cultures and techniques. It shaped not only my understanding of the wine industry but also who I am as a person. Those experiences taught me more than any classroom or textbook ever could. If you have the opportunity to push yourself beyond what’s comfortable—take it. That’s where real growth happens.

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 incredibly fortunate to have two lifelong mentors, Judy and Craig Herrick, who have been guiding lights in my life since I was 14. They started as my teachers in an advanced history and English course where we integrated both subjects, and later, they became my yearbook advisors when I was the editor. Over the years, they have watched me grow, evolve, and navigate my path, always offering unwavering support, guidance, and the occasional nudge when I needed it most. Their belief in me has never wavered, and they’ve continually reminded me of my strengths, even in moments when I doubted myself. More than anything, they taught me that curiosity and determination are the keys to success—if I had the drive to seek knowledge, I could be unstoppable.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention my best friend, Gretchen Voelcker. We’ve known each other for 13 years and work together on two projects. She’s been a constant source of encouragement, a sounding board for ideas, and someone who always pushes me to be the best version of myself. Having people in your life who believe in you, challenge you, and remind you of your own potential is invaluable. I’m incredibly grateful for that support system, and it has played a huge role in shaping who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://loreconsultinggroup.com
• Instagram: tymaripaige

Image Credits

Crawford McCarthy is photo of me with barrels rest are taken by me or from my phone