Meet Alexei Khimenko

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexei Khimenko a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alexei, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

At every stage of my life, some people doubted me, suggesting my goals wouldn’t be achieved. When I initially failed to gain admission to my chosen school, my parents offered support, asking if I wanted to try again. That day shaped the rest of my life. I chose perseverance.

During my final years of school, whispers arose that I wouldn’t graduate. My response? Simply “Okay.” I defied them all, graduating at 17 and securing a contract with a professional ballet company.

Retirement from dance brought career uncertainty. When job prospects seemed bleak, I embarked on a new path, opening my first business.

My second venture faced similar skepticism, with predictions of failure within six months. I took that negativity as a challenge, running the business for a successful eight years before selling it.

I share my story to inspire others. Through the power of shared experiences, we learn, gain courage to live life to the fullest, and cultivate unwavering self-belief.

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

Currently, I’m the managing partner at MyStory Wine Company, founded in 2020. We craft approachable, food-friendly wines from various countries and appellations, offering exceptional value at affordable prices.

My career as a dancer and entrepreneur fostered a love of connection. This passion fueled my vision for MyStory: a company built not just on producing wine, but on fostering conversation and human connection – after all, a good story is a conversation starter.

Launched in 2020, our first brand, MyStory, embodies this philosophy. Crafted in the Paso Robles Templeton Gap District, these award-winning, small-batch estate wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Red Blend, Viognier, Rosé, and a unique bourbon barrel-aged Malbec. MyStory wines are enjoyed nationally across multiple states.

Building on this success, we created All of Me Wine. This portfolio features reserve-quality wines with a focus on affordability, consistently exceeding customer expectations. Highlighting the artistry of Chilean winemaking, All of Me Wines capture the inherent beauty of this region.

These handcrafted wines boast vibrant fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and an elegant finish, catering to both novice and experienced wine drinkers. We believe they offer a fantastic option for anyone on their wine appreciation journey.

With All of Me, we aimed to create a brand that goes beyond the ordinary. It celebrates love in its purest form: an unwavering commitment, a boundless embrace. The name reflects our belief that love should never be fragmented, but a powerful whole.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

My entrepreneurial journey has been fueled by resilience, determination, and a deep belief in myself. While I value listening to others, trusting my gut has consistently steered me towards success. Passion is the compass that guides your decisions and inspires those around you.

Throughout my ventures, I’ve surrounded myself with experienced individuals who not only complemented my skillset, but also genuinely respected my instincts and vision.

Financial gain shouldn’t be the sole driving force. Chase something you truly believe in, and the financial rewards will often follow.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

Witnessing my father’s unwavering work ethic and dedication to our family instilled in me, from a young age, the value of embracing challenges as stepping stones to growth. Born in a small Ukrainian village, my dad defied the odds, becoming the first in his family to become a college graduate. His relentless pursuit of success propelled him to become a highly respected engineer in Moscow.

My father’s love, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit fueled me through academic hurdles and career challenges. Though he may not be here to witness my triumphs, he remains a constant presence in my heart, and I strive to make him proud in everything I do.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Alexei Khimenko
Donovan
Alexei Smirnov

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