Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joanna Spinks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joanna, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Honestly, I got confident by acting confident. It’s a beautiful cycle!
In my twenties (circa 2006) I worked at a very cool restaurant in New York City with a pioneering wine list of natural wines. I was the host, working only in proximity to the wine and I was terrified a customer would ask me something about it. I became very interested in it because I feared it so much. These French winemakers would visit and smoke cigarettes and tell stories in the back garden and I would sit in the shadows and just listen. I was moved by this world of farmers in shaggy scarves making wildly delicious things to drink.
Weirdly, I came into my own in that hosting position! There was a line of people down the bock every night when I opened the door. And I quickly learned that if you don’t step into your power, people will walk all over you. Every night I got thrown to the wolves. And every night I didn’t die. The owner of the restaurant told me she had my back and she believed in me. Seating the tiny 2-story restaurant with grace and precision was like doing a goddam rubik’s cube. I got really good at it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I run a neighborhood wine shop and bar called First Fig in Camden, Maine. We handpick a dynamic selection of bottles, championing small scale growers and honest winemaking practices.Our small bar serves espresso, wine, Guinness draft and snacks. We take pride in creating a relaxed meeting place and high-quality events for the community. We’re really excited for spring this year and a big retail expansion to include some exceptional local products.
Prior to opening First Fig, I operated a wine retail shop out of my barn, worked as Creative Director for the local winery Oyster River Winegrowers, and worked for the distributor Devenish Wines. I’ve lived in Midcoast, Maine for almost 9 years. I lived in NYC for 9 years before coming here, which is weird! In New York I completed a Master of Arts in French at CUNY Brooklyn College and worked as a translator of contemporary French plays. I eventually travelled to France to apprentice with various winemakers.
I met and married my husband Dylan here in Maine just a few years ago. He is the deputy Harbor Master on Islesboro. He lives on the island, so I get to spend a good amount of time out there too, The work-life balance is a challenge but it’s also a dream!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Community, vision, patience.
Surround yourself with people you respect, and who respect you.
Trust your vision. Give it your attention. Lift it up. Write it down.
There will be setbacks. Have patience. These are part of life.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
And Then You Act by Anne Bogart.
“Do not wait for enough time or money to accomplish what you think you have in mind. Work with what you have right now. Work with the people around you right now. Do not wait for what you assume is the appropriate, stress-free environment in which to generate expression. Do not wait till you are sure that you know what you are doing. What you do now, what you make of your present circumstances, will determine the quality and scope of your future endeavors.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstfig_/?hl=en
Image Credits
two photos by Rachel Darke:
1) black & white image of bar
2) glasses stacked with wine bottles on back bar
all other images courtesy of First Fig
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
