Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brian Kelley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brian , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
As I got older I realized that hate often comes as a projection. Most nay-sayers project something as “unrealistic” or “unattainable” because when you achieve certain things or do something bold, it highlights a risk they never took. I like to keep receipts, not for revenge or anything but because I used it for motivation to prove it to myself not them. Haters going to hate regardless, best thing you can do is just keep hustling, they will see. Like Nipsey Hussle said “best you can do for a hater is show them its possible”.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am the CEO of Imperial 94 Wines, a Maryland-based winery that’s all about timeless celebration. We launched in 2023 with our first release — the Imperial 94 Pink Rosé — and it’s been incredible seeing how people have connected with it. For me, wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass — it’s about the experience, the mood, and the memories it helps create.
What I love most about what we’re building is that it blends culture, creativity, and community. We wanted to make something that feels high-end and beautiful, but still real and relatable — something that represents us. Every detail matters to us: the label, the tone of our events, the music, even how the bottle feels in your hand. It’s a lifestyle as much as it is a wine.
Right now, we’re focused on expanding distribution and getting Imperial 94 into more restaurants, lounges, and stores across the DMV.
At the end of the day, Imperial 94 is about celebration — whether that’s toasting a win, spending time with your people, or just appreciating where you are in life. We want every pour to feel like a moment worth remembering.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three biggest qualities that have shaped my journey are vision, resilience, and connection.
Vision has been everything. Before there was a label, a bottle, or an event, there was just an idea — something I could see in my head before anyone else could. Being able to picture where you’re going keeps you moving, even when the process feels slow or uncertain. My advice to anyone starting out is to write your vision down and revisit it often.
Resilience came next. Entrepreneurship sounds exciting — and it is — but it also comes with setbacks, delays, and moments of doubt. I’ve learned to treat those moments as part of the process instead of taking them personally. My advice: stay patient, stay consistent, and don’t let temporary challenges make you question something permanent you’re building.
And finally, connection — with people, culture, and community. Imperial 94 wouldn’t exist without real connections. From our team to our supporters, every relationship adds energy to what we’re creating. If you’re early in your journey, don’t just build a product or a brand — build relationships. The right people will elevate your vision and help it grow in ways you can’t imagine on your own.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I try to pause and reset my perspective. Running a business — especially a creative one — can pull you in a hundred directions at once. There’s always something that needs attention, but I’ve learned that everything doesn’t have to be solved in the same moment.
My advice would be: don’t run from the feeling — manage it. Instead of trying to do everything at once, prioritize what truly moves you forward. Give yourself grace, focus on what you can control today, and trust that the rest will fall into place.
Its nothing wrong with a break either.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imperial94.com
- Instagram: @therealbk_1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-kelley-6827a6248/
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